{"id":205,"date":"2021-08-19T16:06:45","date_gmt":"2021-08-19T20:06:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bptd8dev.bridgeport.edu\/news\/?p=205"},"modified":"2025-01-06T15:33:37","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T20:33:37","slug":"how-to-become-a-licensed-counselor-lpc-in-connecticut","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bridgeport.edu\/news\/how-to-become-a-licensed-counselor-lpc-in-connecticut\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Licensed Counselor (LPC) in Connecticut"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mental health and rehabilitation counseling is a rewarding and in-demand career field. With a projected growth of\u00a025%<\/a>\u00a0by the year 2029, aspiring counselors can be assured of job security as well as employment opportunities after graduation. However, in order to embark on this career path, there are several requirements you must fulfill first. In the state of Connecticut, in order to provide mental health and rehabilitation services, you must become a licensed counselor.<\/p>\n

What is an LPC?<\/h2>\n

A licensed professional counselor, or LPC, works one-on-one with clients or administers group therapy. Unlike licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), they very rarely, if ever, take on the job of client advocacy. Rather, LPCs provide mental health counseling and psychotherapy for issues including mental disorders, emotional disorders, behavioral problems, and addiction disorders. In some states, an LPC is referred to as an LCPC or LPCC (licensed clinical professional counselor or licensed professional clinical counselor). However, in the state of Connecticut, these types of mental health counselors bear the LPC moniker.<\/p>\n

Steps to Becoming an LPC<\/h2>\n

1. Earn Your Degree<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to the\u00a0state of Connecticut<\/a>, the first step in becoming a counselor in CT is to earn a graduate degree. When choosing a graduate program, it\u2019s important to research the special accreditation and education requirements that your state requires for Counseling degrees. In Connecticut, for example, prospective counselors are required to complete a master\u2019s degree with specific areas of coursework, such as Human Growth and Development, Research and Evaluation, and Appraisals for Individuals and Groups. Additionally, graduate programs must be accredited by\u00a0The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Degree Options<\/em>
\nThere are a couple degree options for students interested in becoming a counselor, including a master\u2019s degree in Psychology and a\u00a0master\u2019s degree in Counseling<\/a>. Those who have a passion for mental health and helping others \u2013 as well as those who are interested in working closely with clients, offering direct counseling services as an LPC \u2013 should consider a Master\u2019s in Counseling. You can learn more about the potential career outcomes of an MS in Counseling\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Coursework Examples<\/em>
\nWith a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a master\u2019s degree in Counseling is designed to prepare students to work as mental health counselors as well as addiction counselors. Courses in this program include:<\/p>\n