What are the requirements to become a licensed community counselor?

Answer 1

In my area, the northeast US, there are two basic credentials one can get, and a couple of other possibilities as well. You can go for the LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor), or you could go for the LICSW (Licensed Independent Social Worker). Training and practice are very similar, and either credential allows you to do counseling/psychotherapy with a broad range of clients. Both of these credentials require a master's degree (MSW for social workers), and qualifying tests. There are also credentials in Family Counseling, and in Substance Abuse Counseling. Different states have different requirements, and different regulations about what each of these credentials will allow you to do. You can get more information from local colleges, from a local chapter of the NASW (National Association of Social Workers) or from your state board that deals with professional licensing. The state board should be willing to send you information on educational requirements and on supervised practice requirements prior to licensing.