LPCC

LPCC stands for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, a professional license to practice mental health counseling in several U.S. jurisdictions. The LPCC credential generally authorizes the holder to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders and to provide psychotherapy and other clinical counseling services. The title and scope vary by state; some jurisdictions use LPCC, while others employ LPC or LCPC for the corresponding clinical track.

Typical requirements for LPCC licensure include a graduate degree in counseling or a closely related field, completion of substantial supervised clinical experience (the exact hours vary by state), and successful passage of licensure examinations. Common exams include the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), along with possible state jurisprudence or ethics assessments. Applicants must also commit to ethical standards and ongoing continuing education to maintain the license.

Scope of practice for LPCCs typically includes intake assessments, clinical diagnosis using established criteria, and psychotherapy with individuals, groups, couples, or families. Treatment planning, case management, crisis intervention, and referrals to other professionals are common responsibilities. LPCCs may work in private practices, community mental health centers, hospitals, schools, or other settings, depending on state regulations and supervised experience.

Regulation and professional landscape vary by state. Licensure is granted and overseen by a state licensing board (for example, California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences). Licenses are renewed periodically, with continuing education and ethical compliance required for maintenance. The LPCC credential is often part of broader efforts to expand access to mental health services by enabling qualified counselors to provide independent clinical care.