Do you have a calling on your life to help others through some of life’s struggles? LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) jobs provide an opportunity to have a rewarding career with a real impact on people’s lives. Whether you’ve recently graduated or are a seasoned therapist curious about new prospects, this guide has everything you need to know about careers with an LPC — from job settings and salaries to licensure requirements and job search tips.
See What a Licensed Professional Counselor Does
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) offer mental health services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. Their work includes:
✔ Evaluation of mental health & diagnose
✔ both individual and group therapy
✔ Crisis intervention
✔ Treatment planning
✔ Advocacy and community engagement
LPCs work in a variety of settings such as:
- Private practices
- Schools and universities
- Hospitals and clinics
- Rehabilitation centers
- Business/employer-funded employee assistance programs (EAPs)
Best Licensed Professional Counselor Jobs
Licensed Professional Counselor in clinical mental health
🗺 Locations: Private Practice, Community Mental Health Centers
💰 Base Salary: 50,000–50,000–80,000+
🔹 Specialty: Anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction
School Counselor
📍 Settings: K-12 schools, colleges
💰 Salary: 45,000 70,000 70,000
🔹Focus: Student mental health, academic support, crisis intervention
Substance Abuse Counselor
📍 Settings: Rehab centers, outpatient clinics
💰 Salary: 45,000–45,000–65,000
🔹 Focus: Addiction recovery, how to avoid relapse.
Marriage And Family Therapist (MFT)
📍 Position: Private practice, family services
💰 Salary: 55,000–55,000–85,000
🔹 Focus: Couples therapy, family conflict mediation
Telehealth Counselor (WORK FROM HOME)
📍 Settings: Online therapy programs
💰 Pay: 60–60–100/hour (contract)
🔹 Focus: Virtual support for mental health
A career as a Licensed Professional Counselor in California
Obtain a master’s degree in the field of counseling
✔ CACREP Accredited programs (Preferred)
✔ Specializations: Clinical Mental Health Cou
Full-time Supervised Clinical Hours
✔ Hours vary by state (usually 2,000-3,000 hours)
You must successfully pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE)
✔ Administered by the NBCC
Obtain State Licensure
✔ Check your state board requirements (e.g., LPC, LMHC, LPCC)
Look into Other Qualifications
✔ NCC (National Certified Counselor)
✔ Specialty certifications (trauma, addiction, etc.)
LPC Salary & Job Outlook
Median Salary: 50,000–50,000–80,000 (depends on experience & setting)
States With Highest Pay: California, New York, New Jersey
Job Growth: 22 percent by 2031 (Much faster than average, according to the BLS)
💡 Pro Tip: Therapists in private practice or telehealth may make more money from self-pay clients or insurance payments.
Where to Get Licensed Professional Counselor Jobs
✅ Job Boards:
Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor
Knots (mental health-specific)
APA Career Center
✅ Networking:
Become a Member (American Counseling Association, ACA)
Go to state counseling conventions
✅ Staffing Agencies:
Some agencies do mental health placements
Final Thoughts
Licensed Professional Counselor Work life balance and career growth! Whether you pursue one-on-one therapy, school counseling or telehealth, there’s a way to fit your passion.
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