December 20, 2023
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Date: December 20, 2023 Published by: Czarina Sacdalan
Understanding the Role of a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
If you’re interested in a career as a mental health professional, becoming a licensed professional clinical counselor, or LPCC, is an option for you. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a private Lasallian Catholic university that offers an M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services program that prepares students to work as LPCCs. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota provides Lasallian-influenced education to people of all ages with an undergraduate campus in Winona, MN, and campuses for adult learners in Minneapolis, Rochester, and an online cohort.
Here, we share more information about a career as a licensed professional clinical counselor.
LPCC Job Basics
A licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) is a mental health professional who works with individuals to improve their mental health and wellbeing. These individuals may be coping with situational and/or relational stressors, and/or are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder. They are trained in diagnosing, assessing, and treating mental health disorders.
The licensure titles for professional counselors differ by state, but in Minnesota, there are two possible licensures: a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) and an LPC (licensed professional counselor). The LPCC is a higher-level license that requires education in additional clinical content areas and more post-degree supervised practice, as well as meets the state of Minnesota’s requirements for qualification as a mental health professional. LPCCs work with clients on a wide variety of topics and issues, including:
- Mental health diagnoses including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and more
- Neurodevelopmental concerns such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Emotional distress
- Substance use concerns
- Trauma
- Career counseling
LPCCs generally work with individuals, but may also be trained to work with couples, families, and groups in a variety of settings. Job duties consist of developing relationships with clients, assessing for mental health diagnoses, and developing appropriate treatment plans.
LPCC Training and Qualifications
LPCCs are master’s degree-level counselors who are trained in diagnosing and treating mental health concerns. Their training consists of first completing a bachelor’s degree (in any major), and then completing a master’s degree in counseling or psychological services. Once graduated, aspiring LPCCs need to complete at least 4,000 hours of post-degree practice under the supervision of a licensed counselor.
Additionally, LPCC licensure candidates need to successfully pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) before applying for licensure.
LPCC Job Outlook and Demand
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, boast a much faster than average job growth and steady salary.
The BLS projects the employment of counselors is projected to grow 18% from 2022 to 2032, with about 42,000 openings estimated each year, on average, over the decade. This is a very strong job outlook and proves that the demand for mental health counselors, such as for LPCCs, is just getting stronger, especially with increased rates of mental illness and addiction.
As more people are seeking support and treatment, more licensed counselors will be needed. The BLS also says the median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $49,710 in May 2022. This number can vary depending on the work environment, location, experience, and other factors.
Our M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services Program
For students looking to become LPCCs, our M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services is a great choice. This program helps prepare students to provide professional counseling, psychotherapy, and other psychological services. The program meets the educational requirements for initial Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licensure. We also offer a dual program with an M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services and a Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies, which provides training for working in mental health counseling and alcohol and drug treatment and meets the educational requirements for both the LPC/LPCC and the LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor) licensures. Current Saint Mary’s undergraduate students wanting to pursue this advanced degree can save time and money by taking up to 6 graduate credits (2 courses) while still in the bachelor program.
Request More Information Today
Are you ready to start training to become a licensed professional clinical counselor? Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, with an undergraduate campus in Winona and adult campuses in Minneapolis, Rochester, and Online offers an M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services to help prepare students for careers as LPCCs. Request more information about the program or apply online today.
