District of ColumbiaLicensed Professional Counselor Requirements

CACREP pre-approved by the Board; other programs accepted if they meet 11 core coursework areas in counseling, psychology, social work, or human services

Required Coursework Areas

All states require a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. The number of required credit hours varies — some states require 48 semester hours while others require 60. CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accreditation is increasingly required or preferred.

Supervisor Qualifications

Board-approved supervisor; 1 hour of supervision for every 35 hours of work experience; at least 100 hours must be individual supervision

Supervision Ratio

1 hour of supervision per 35 hours of work; at least 100 hours individual supervision; remainder can be group

After completing a master’s degree, aspiring counselors must accumulate supervised clinical experience (typically 2,000–4,000 hours) before qualifying for full licensure. Most states offer an associate or provisional license during this period. Supervision must be provided by a board-approved supervisor.

Treatment Modalities

Individual, group, couples, and family counseling; psychotherapy; crisis intervention; assessment and appraisal

Restricted Activities

Cannot prescribe medication

Licensed professional counselors provide mental health services including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders. Scope varies by state — some allow independent diagnosis while others restrict certain activities. Counselors do not prescribe medication.

Required CE Topics

Regulatory Board

Counselor licenses must be renewed on schedule, typically every 2 years. Continuing education requirements vary by state but commonly include ethics, cultural competency, and clinical topics. Some states require specific hours in ethics or supervision.

Endorsement Requirements

• •Active independent license in another jurisdiction in good standing
• •5 years of independent practice, OR 3 years with NCC credential
• •Verification of licensure
• •Criminal background check ($50)

The Counseling Compact is an interstate agreement that allows licensed counselors to practice across state lines. Member states participate in this compact to improve access to mental health services. Endorsement processes for non-compact states vary in their requirements.