As in many other states, counselors in Ohio who have obtained their licensure are known as licensed professional counselors (LPCs). Those who have not yet completed the internship/practicum portion of the licensure process are called Counselor Trainees, and those who have continued their education and further developed their clinical skills can obtain licensure as licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCCs). The state’s premier professional organizations for counselors is the Ohio Counseling Association , and licensure for LPCs, counselor trainees and LPCCs in the state is managed by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board .

Licensure requirements for counselors in Ohio, including education, supervision, examination, fees, renewal and “licensure by reciprocity,” are examined in further detail below, along with salary information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, scholarship opportunities and loan repayment programs available to LPCs, counselor trainees and LPCCs in the state.

Licensure as a professional counselor in Ohio requires the completion of a 60 semester credit master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling or addiction counseling from a program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Non-CACREP-approved programs may still be eligible if they are offered by an institution accredited by an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and if they include the coursework outlined below.

Appropriate degree programs will include at least one graduate course in each of the following content areas:

Either as a part of the degree program or after graduation, applicants must also provide proof of completed coursework in the following areas:

In addition to the coursework listed above, LPC licensure in Ohio also requires the completion of a practicum of 40 direct hours and an internship of 240 direct hours. These requirements are distinct from post-graduate supervision, which is also necessary for LPCC licensure in Ohio.

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“Supervision” is shorthand for directed, post-graduate experience in professional counseling under supervision in a work setting. Although LPC licensure in Ohio does not require any supervision for LPCs, it does require it of LPCCs, who need two years and a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervision, at a rate of at least 1,500 hours each year, for licensure. At least 50% of the 3,000 hours must be in clinical services that include diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders. There must also be at least 150 hours of face-to-face direction from an approved supervisor each year, at an average rate of one hour of direction for every 20 hours worked. The supervisee must maintain a log of all face-to-face direction.

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Ohio LPC licensure requires a passing score on the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification and the Laws and Rules Examination. LPCC applicants must take the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). All applicants are required to request approval from the board in order to sit for these exams.

National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE)

The NCE is a 200-question, multiple-choice examination administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. It assesses knowledge, skills and abilities in effective counseling services.

National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)

The NCMHCE tests knowledge of assessment, diagnosis, counseling, psychotherapy, administration, consultation and supervision. It consists of 10 clinical mental health counseling cases and assesses clinical problem-solving ability by testing identification, analysis and treatment. It is also administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors.

Laws and Rules Examination

The Laws and Rules Examination is administered online by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. It tests applicants on the legal and ethical conduct of counselors in the state.

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LPCs and LPCCs in Ohio can expect to pay the following fees for their license:

Out-of-State Application Fee: $100 + $3.50

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Ohio LPC and LPCC licenses expire two years after being issued. License renewal requires completing the renewal application, paying the renewal fees (see above) and completing the required hours of continuing education.

LPCs and LPCCs in Ohio are required to complete 30 clock hours of continuing education (CE) during each two-year renewal period. Three of those hours must focus on ethics, and a maximum of 15 hours may be earned through distance learning each period. CE programs pre-approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board will have approval numbers like RCSTX000000 or MCSTX00000 listed on the attendance certificate. CE programs may also be eligible for post-approval if they are out of state, online, home study, college coursework, publications, teaching or presentations.

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For Counselors Licensed in Other States

The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board has an alternative route to licensure for counselors who have already earned their licenses in other parts of the United States. This process is known as “licensure by endorsement.” Out-of-state applicants are required to provide proof of licensure for at least five years. In general, LPC and LPCC applicants must complete the appropriate application and fees, submit exam results and proof of supervision (for LPCC), and complete a background check and the Laws and Rules Examination for the state of Ohio.

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The following types of Ohio counselors can expect to earn these mean hourly and annual wages, according to May 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

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The following scholarships and loan repayment programs are available to LPCs and LPCCs in Ohio: 

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*Licensure information including requirements, salaries, renewals, scholarships and fees, was retrieved as of May 2022. Information may have changed since, check with the state’s board of licensing for more information.

Last updated: May 2022