North Carolina Counseling licensure requirements for mental health treatment have gained national attention because of novel collaboration ways combining private sector practice and public sector funding regulations. North Carolina is positioned to lead the corporate and public sectors of healthcare reform in the US. The North Carolina Counselling Association is one of the most active in the nation and is committed to providing more educational opportunities for counselors in the ever-changing mental healthcare environment and meeting North Carolina’s various mental health needs.
North Carolina Counseling Licensure Requirements
Becoming a North Carolina Counseling licensure requirement is a rewarding and fulfilling career path for those passionate about helping others overcome mental health challenges. However, to practice counseling professionally in the state, individuals must meet specific licensure requirements set by the North Carolina Board of Licensed Professional Counselors (NCBLPC).
It also provides two more credentials that are relevant. The first is the LCMHA or Licenced Clinical Mental Health Associate. As a result, you may get the supervised work experience you need to be eligible for the LPC. You may only practice with this restricted license if a supervisor who has been authorized by the NCBLCMHC is supervising you. A licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor (LCMHCS) is the other. With this LCMHC update, you are now able to oversee LCMHA instructors.
How to Become a Counselor in North Carolina?
The majority of counseling professionals in North Carolina are required to have a master’s degree and a license from the relevant state agency. Numerous universities in North Carolina provide programs to assist you in fulfilling this need, while programs offered outside of the state could also comply with state standards. Additional tests, training, and job experience requirements can also be necessary. Visit our Counselling Licence Reciprocity Guide if you currently have a license from another state and want to practice in North Carolina.
Decide which area of counseling to pursue.
- Consider hobbies and skills to save time and money. There are many licensing processes. Pre-selecting a specialty before school speeds counseling licensure.
Earn the degree(s) required for your counseling practice area.
- North Carolina clinical counselors need a master’s degree. Professional, marital, and family therapists and school counselors must have master’s degrees in counseling. Substance abuse counseling licenses vary. Clinical drug addiction therapy takes a master’s degree.
Get Licensed to practice Counseling in North Carolina
- Apply for licensure after graduation. NCBLCMHC licenses professional counselors. NCMFTLB-licensed marital and family therapists. NCDPI licenses school counselors, whereas NCASSPPB licenses drug addiction counselors. Each licensing requires distinct procedures. Read about North Carolina counseling licenses.
Apply for And Take your NCE or NCMHCE
- To take the National Counsellor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselling Examination (NCMHCE), both of which are offered by the National Board for Certified Counsellors (NBCC), you must first apply to the North Carolina Board of Licenced Professional Counsellors.
- Get an NCE score that satisfies North Carolina’s requirements.
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) licensing process
- Obtain a master’s degree or higher in counseling from an accredited institution.
- Complete at least 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of graduate-level coursework.
- Gain a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised counseling experience, with 1,500 hours in direct client contact.
- Work under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor supervisor (LPCS) or equivalent.
- Pass the NBCC-administered National Counsellor Examination (NCE).
- Undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
- Submit an application for licensure to the North Carolina Board of Licensed Professional Counselors (NCBLPC).
- Provide official transcripts, verification of supervised experience, and proof of passing the NCE.
- Pay the required application fees.
- Complete continuing education requirements of at least 40 hours every two years, including at least three hours in ethics training, to maintain licensure.
Optional substance abuse counseling credentials offered in North Carolina
The NCASPPB offers essential qualifications for drug misuse enthusiasts who don’t wish to become counselors or supervisors.
- Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)
- Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJAP)
- Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS)
Additional counseling careers and licenses in North Carolina
In addition to the Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) license, North Carolina offers other counseling licenses such as the Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) for addiction counseling and the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) for family therapy. Each of these licenses has its own specific requirements and qualifications, providing opportunities for professionals specializing in different areas of counseling to practice in North Carolina.