How to Become a Professional Counselor in 2026

To become a professional counselor, you typically need to earn a bachelor’s degree, complete a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, gain supervised clinical experience, and meet your state’s licensure requirements. While the exact process varies by state and counseling specialty, most aspiring counselors spend several years completing the education, training, and examinations required for independent practice.

Explore each step in more detail below.

Aspiring counselors may wonder, “What degree do I need to be a counselor?” Most counseling master’s programs require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree, but no specific major is required. Common majors include psychology, social work, human services, and related fields.

Some schools also offer bachelor’s degrees in counseling that can help prepare students for graduate study.

Most professional counselors need a master’s degree to qualify for licensure. The specific program may depend on your career goals and state requirements. Students may pursue graduate study in counseling, clinical psychology, or a related field, such as Pepperdine’s online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program. Before enrolling, verify that your graduate program meets the educational requirements for licensure in the state where you plan to practice.

Students must take and pass the appropriate counseling licensure exam in their state. Many states administer either the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE), the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), or both.

Before pursuing independent licensure, graduates typically obtain an initial license that allows them to practice under supervision. The name and requirements of this license vary by state. Depending on the jurisdiction, the application process may include background checks and other state-specific requirements.

5. Complete a Supervised Clinical Experience

After obtaining an initial license, counselors must complete supervised clinical experience. Clinical experience requirements vary by state and may include a minimum number of hours completed under the supervision of a licensed practitioner.

After completing the required supervised clinical experience and any other state requirements, graduates may apply for independent licensure. Requirements vary by state, so be sure to check the licensing requirements where you plan to practice.

Counselors must maintain their license by meeting the continuing education requirements established by their state licensing board. Continuing education helps professionals stay current with new research, treatment approaches, and best practices throughout their careers.

Because licensure requirements vary by state, aspiring counselors should review the requirements where they plan to practice. The example below highlights the path to becoming a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) in California. While licensure titles and requirements vary by state, a master’s degree in counseling or a related field can prepare individuals to pursue professional counseling licensure in many jurisdictions.

To become a licensed LPCC in California, applicants must meet the requirements established by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), including education, supervised experience, examination, and licensure requirements.

Steps to become an LPCC in California:

Counseling offers a variety of career paths and areas of specialization. Depending on interests, education, and licensure, counselors may work with different populations and provide services in a range of settings.

The careers below represent some common counseling specializations.

While these counseling careers share similar skills, education and licensure requirements may vary by specialty and state.

For instance, marriage and family therapy has much in common with professional counseling, though the pathway to becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) differs. Prospective therapists typically complete a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and fulfill state-specific licensure requirements.

Individuals interested in counseling may also explore applied behavior analysis (ABA), a related behavioral health profession. It focuses on using evidence-based behavioral interventions to support skill development and behavior change.

Professionals in this field typically complete a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis and supervised training. Aspiring specialists can pursue ABA certifications to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), among other career options; specific applied behavior analysis licensure depends on the role and state.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand is expected to increase as more individuals seek help for mental health and behavioral disorders.

The median annual wage for mental health, substance abuse, and behavioral disorder counselors was $59,350 in 2025. The highest 10% earned more than $97,590, while the lowest 10% earned less than $38,940. Counselors employed by hospitals typically earned more than those who worked in residential mental health facilities or individual and family services.

Professional counselors help individuals, families, and groups navigate mental health, behavioral, and substance use challenges. For those interested in entering the field, earning a master’s degree is often an important step toward licensure and clinical practice.

Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology designed to prepare students for professional counseling careers. Through interactive coursework and supervised clinical training, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to support clients and pursue licensure.

Learn more about the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program and how it can help you take the next step toward a career in counseling.

• How Long Does It Take to Become a Counselor?

  expand_more

  After earning a bachelor’s degree, many aspiring counselors spend three to five years completing a master’s degree, a supervised clinical experience, and state licensure requirements. The exact timeline varies based on state regulations and individual circumstances.

• Which Degree Do You Need to Become a Counselor?

  expand_more

  Professional counselors typically need a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field to qualify for licensure. While there is no specific bachelor’s degree requirement, many students choose to major in psychology, social work, human services, or another related discipline before pursuing graduate study.

• What Is the Average Salary for a Professional Counselor?

  expand_more

  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for mental health, substance abuse, and behavioral disorder counselors was $59,350 in 2025. Salary can vary based on factors such as work setting, geographic location, experience, education, and licensure status.

• What Is the Difference Between a Counselor, a Psychologist, and a Social Worker?

  expand_more

  Counselors, psychologists, and social workers all help individuals address mental health and life challenges, but their education and areas of practice differ.

  • Professional counselor: A professional counselor typically holds a master’s degree and provides therapy and counseling services for mental health, behavioral, and substance use concerns.
  • Psychologist: A psychologist typically has a doctoral degree, such as a PhD or PsyD, and may conduct psychological testing, assessment, research, and therapy.
  • Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW): LCSWs typically hold a master’s degree in social work and provide therapy while also helping clients access community resources and support services.

• Can You Become a Counselor Without a Psychology Degree?

  expand_more

  Yes. While many aspiring counselors earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, most graduate counseling programs do not require a specific undergraduate major. Students from a variety of academic backgrounds, including social work, human services, education, and business, may be eligible to pursue a master’s degree in counseling or a related field.

• Do Counselors Need a Master’s Degree?

  expand_more

  Professional counselors typically need a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field to qualify for licensure. While some counseling-related roles may have different educational requirements, a master’s degree is generally required to become a licensed professional counselor and provide clinical mental health services.

• What License Do Counselors Need?

  expand_more

  The license required to practice counseling depends on the state. Professional counselors may be licensed under titles such as licensed professional counselor (LPC), licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC), licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), or another state-specific designation. Most states require a master’s degree, supervised clinical experience, and one or more licensing examinations.

Created by the online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program from Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology.