Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) vs. Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Choosing to become a therapist can sometimes be confusing, from deciding which type of program is best to knowing which license to apply for. Most states utilize counseling license titles like Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Which state you choose to apply for licensure has its own requirements, however, job responsibilities remain similar. 

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What is an LPC?

LPC stands for Licensed Professional Counselor. According to Indeed, an LPC is someone who “works with families, individuals, and military personnel dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues as well as emotional and behavioral problems.” Those with an LPC license can practice in locations such as community clinics, private practices, hospitals, and schools. 

What is an LMHC?

LMHC stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor. According to Indeed, an LMHC is someone who “uses various psychotherapy techniques to assist those with mental health issues.” Having an LMHC license means that one may work in settings like community mental health agencies, private practices, hospitals, and schools. 

Differences and Similarities Between an LPC and a LMHC

LPCs and LMHCs have similar roles and job responsibilities, such as diagnosing and treating mental disorders. Another thing that each license holder has in common is that most people in the field also work alongside other professionals, such as psychiatrists and case managers. However, depending on the state, there can be some differences in the scope of practice of someone with an LPC and an LMHC license. 

What does an LPC do?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some job responsibilities of those with an LPC license include evaluating a client’s physical and mental health, developing treatment plans, and assisting clients in developing necessary behavioral changes. 

What does an LMHC do?

Some of the responsibilities of those with an LMHC license, according to Indeed, include discussing a client’s experiences and thoughts, leading group sessions with families, and providing psychotherapy to adults and children. 

Job Outlook and Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) categorizes both LPCs and LMHCs in the category of “substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors.” The BLS states that those in this profession earn an average yearly salary of $49,710. The field of counseling is expected to rise faster than average with 18% growth between 2022 and 2032. 

Some common workplaces for those with an LPC or LMHC license, according to the BLS, include: 

• Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers (18%)
• Individual and family services (15%)
• Offices and other health practitioners (12%)
• Hospitals: state, local, and private (9%)
• Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities (9%)

How to Become an LPC

The requirements to become an LPC vary by state but typically require someone to have a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling or a closely related field. Some states require those who apply for this licensure to graduate from a program that is CACREP-Accredited and passage of the National Counseling Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE). Many states require the applicant to work for a specified number of hours or years under supervision before obtaining licensure. 

How to Become a LMHC

The requirements to become an LMHC vary by state, however, most of the programs require the applicant to have a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. Depending on which state you apply for LMHC licensure, you may be required to graduate from a CACREP-accredited master’s program and pass either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). In some circumstances, states may require that an applicant complete a specified number of hours or years under supervision before obtaining licensure. 

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Which states use LPC and LMHC licensure?

While the roles and educational requirements of an LPC and an LMHC are similar, the state that uses each licensure is different. This can be confusing for individuals looking to understand the degree and licensure requirements, as online counseling degree programs are based in a specific state and, in turn, sometimes follow that state’s requirements. The following lists will indicate which state uses each license. 

States that use LPC: 

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado 
• Connecticut
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma 
• Oregon 
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington, D.C.
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

States that use LMHC:

• Florida
• Hawaii
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Massachusetts
• New Mexico
• New York
• Washington State

Resources

Indeed

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/lmhc-vs-lcsw

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-1