An LPC-Associate (LPC-A) is a professional designation for counselors who have graduated with a master’s degree and have completed or are in the process of completing the necessary exams (NCE, jurisprudence, etc.) to practice clinical counseling but are still working on accumulating supervised hours. In some states (e.g., Arizona and West Virginia), this designation is a license. In others (e.g., California and Florida) it is a registration.
It is not a student’s title or a separate degree. This stage of licensure is often informally referred to as provisional licensure or even pre-licensure (which is a little misleading, as LPC-A is, indeed, a license).
Every state has some version of this stage; the name of the license will depend on the specific state. You might see it as Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) or Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A).
At a Glance: LPC-Associate
- What it is: An early-career counseling credential or supervised-practice status for master’s-level counselors working toward independent licensure.
- Other titles: Depending on the state, similar credentials may be called Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A), or Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA), among other titles.
- Education: Typically requires a qualifying master’s degree in counseling or a related field that meets state licensing requirements.
- Examinations: States may require the National Counselor Examination (NCE), the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), and/or a state jurisprudence examination.
- Scope of practice: Associates may provide counseling services within the scope permitted by their state, generally under approved clinical supervision.
- Supervision: Supervised experience is required to advance toward independent licensure. Required hours, supervisor qualifications, and meeting frequency vary by state.
- Independent practice: Associates generally cannot practice independently, although specific restrictions and practice arrangements differ by state.
Is an LPC-Associate a licensed counselor?
In most states, an LPC-Associate is a licensed counselor. However, in some states, it is a registration, internship, roster, permit, or board-approved supervision plan.
An LPC-A is a licensed counselor who is currently acquiring clinical hours under the supervision of an independently licensed clinician. Therefore, it is a professional license, but it is not an independent or terminal license. LPC-A’s have completed their degree, and, depending on the state, their exams are in the supervisory portion of their licensing stage, which can last two or three years and sometimes longer.
What an LPC-Associate can and cannot do
An LPC-Associate can practice professional counseling but cannot bill insurance or work independently.
An LPC-A can assess, diagnose, and treat individuals just as a fully licensed LPC can. However, this involves mandatory supervision from a licensed clinician. So, in practice, what this looks like is the LPC-A bringing their cases on a regular basis to their supervisor to work through. While it is common for LPC’s to also seek supervision and consultation, it is not required to maintain their licensure, and it typically happens within a less formal arrangement.
The major difference between the two, and the limitation on the practice of an LPC-A, is primarily administrative. LPC-A’s, as mentioned, cannot do clinical work without supervision. They also cannot bill insurance. These are aspects of professional counseling that only LPC’s can do. While LPC-A’s can own and operate an independent practice, there are therefore limitations to this practice that don’t exist for LPC’s.
What an LPC-Associate is called in different states
LPC-Associates have different names in different states to signify the same tier of licensure.
Similarly to different states using different titles and licenses for licensed professional counselors, associates, and provisional licenses, also vary by state. Each of the licenses below designates the same kind of license, but uses different titles. There may also be different requirements for hours and supervision, so it is important to verify with your state’s licensing board before beginning the licensing process what it entails.
| Abbreviation / designation | Credential or supervised-practice status | State(s) | Type | Issuing Board(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALC | Associate Licensed Counselor | Alabama | License | https://abec.alabama.gov/ |
| Associate Counselor | Associate Counselor License | Alaska | License | https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/ProfessionalCounselors |
| LAC | Licensed Associate Counselor | Arizona, Arkansas, New Jersey | License | https://bbhe.az.gov/, https://healthy.arkansas.gov/boards-commissions/boards/examiners-in-counseling-arkansas-state-board/ https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/pc/Pages/default.aspx |
| LPCA / LPC-A | Licensed Professional Counselor Associate | Connecticut, Kentucky, South Carolina, West Virginia | License | https://portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing–investigations/professional-counselor/professional-counselor-licensing, https://lpc.ky.gov/, https://llr.sc.gov/cou/, https://wvbec.org/ |
| LPC Associate | LPC Associate | Texas | License | https://bhec.texas.gov/texas-state-board-of-examiners-of-professional-counselors/ |
| LAPC | Licensed Associate Professional Counselor | North Dakota, Pennsylvania | License | https://www.ndbce.org/LAPC.shtml, https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/social-workers-marriage-family-therapists-professional-counselors |
| APC | Associate Professional Counselor | Georgia | License | https://sos.ga.gov/georgia-board-professional-counselors-social-workers-and-marriage-family-therapists |
| LACMH | Licensed Associate Counselor of Mental Health | Delaware | License | https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/profcounselors/ |
| APCC | Associate Professional Clinical Counselor | California | Registration | https://www.bbs.ca.gov/ |
| (No office abbreviation) | Associate Mental Health Counselor | Hawaii | License | https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/programs/mental/ |
| LMHCA / LMHC-A | Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate | Indiana, Washington | License | https://www.in.gov/pla/professions/behavioral-health-and-human-services/, https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/mental-health-counselor |
| LCMHCA | Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate | North Carolina | License | https://www.ncblcmhc.org/ |
| Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate | Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate; application materials also say “Mental Health Counselor Associate” | Rhode Island | License | https://health.ri.gov/licensing/marriage-family-and-mental-health-therapy |
| LGPC | Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor | Maryland | License | https://health.maryland.gov/bopc/ |
| LSMHC | Licensed Supervised Mental Health Counselor | Massachusetts | License | https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-allied-mental-health-and-human-services-professions |
| LLPC | Limited Licensed Professional Counselor | Michigan | License | https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/health/hp-lic-health-prof/counseling |
| PLPC / P-LPC | Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor | Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri | License | https://www.lpcboard.org/, https://www.lpc.ms.gov/, https://pr.mo.gov/counselors.asp |
| PPC | Provisional Professional Counselor | Wyoming | License | https://mentalhealth.wyo.gov/ |
| LPCC | Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate | Colorado | License | https://dpo.colorado.gov/ProfessionalCounselor |
| PCLC | Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Candidate | Montana | License | https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/behavioral-health/ |
| LPC Candidate | Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate — board-approved candidacy | Oklahoma | Applicant | https://oklahoma.gov/behavioralhealth.html |
| ACMHC | Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor | Utah | License | https://dopl.utah.gov/clinical-mental-health-counseling/ |
| RMHCI | Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern | Florida | Registration | https://floridasmentalhealthprofessions.gov/ |
| Counselor Intern | Registered Counselor Intern; an LPC can subsequently accrue experience toward LCPC licensure | Idaho | Registration | https://dopl.idaho.gov/cou/ |
| CPC-Intern / CPC-I | Clinical Professional Counselor Intern | Nevada | Internship | https://marriage.nv.gov/ |
| T-LMHC / temporary LMHC | Mental Health Counselor Temporary License | Iowa | License | https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/medical/mental-health |
| Temporary LPC / LPC-MHSP | Temporary Professional Counselor Licensure | Tennessee | License | https://www.tn.gov/health/licensure/pct.html |
| PCTL | Professional Counselor Training License; also commonly called LPC-IT | Wisconsin | License | https://dsps.wi.gov/a-z-professions-list/professional-counselor-training-license-pctl/ |
| PLMHP | Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner | Nebraska | License | https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/pages/mental-health-and-social-work-practice.aspx |
| MHC limited permit / MHC-LP | Limited permit to practice Mental Health Counseling under supervision | New York | Permit | https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/mental-health-counselors |
| Conditional counselor licenses | Conditional Clinical Professional Counselor (XL) and Conditional Professional Counselor (XC); often described as conditional LCPC/LPC | Maine | License | https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/board-of-counseling-professionals-licensure |
| Conditional CMHC / candidate for licensure | Conditional Clinical Mental Health Counselor License (legislation drafted concerning this title; not yet finalized) | New Hampshire | License | https://www.oplc.nh.gov/board-mental-health-practice |
| Resident in Counseling | Temporary licensure as a Resident in Counseling | Virginia | License | https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Counseling/ |
| Professional Counselor Associate | Registered associate status; no abbreviation is permitted | Oregon | Registration | https://www.oregon.gov/oblpct/ |
| Rostered psychotherapist | Roster of Non-Licensed, Non-Certified Psychotherapists | Vermont | Roster | https://sos.vermont.gov/allied-mental-health/ |
| Approved Plan of Supervision / license-trainee | Board-approved supervised training toward LPC under supervision plan | South Dakota | Plan of supervision submission | https://dss.sd.gov/licensingboards/counselors/ |
| LPC | Licensed Professional Counselor used during supervised progression toward a higher clinical license or independent status | Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Ohio | License | https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/profcounselor.html, https://www.ksbsrb.ks.gov/professions/professional-counselors, https://mn.gov/boards/behavioral-health/, https://cswmft.ohio.gov/ |
| LMHC | Licensed Mental Health Counselor | New Mexico | License | https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/counseling-and-therapy-practice/ |
You may also see LPC-I in older documents. This is the Licensed Professional Counseling Intern, and it was historically used by Texas and South Carolina. Both states now use different titles to move away from the “intern” status in the license title.
LPC-Associate vs. full LPC: what changes
What changes from LPC-Associate to full LPC is the ability to bill insurance and practice professional clinical counseling independently.
So what changes when an LPC-A becomes an LPC, and what stays the same? The job, the degree, the exams, and the nature of clinical work stays the same. That is, each licensed professional completes the MA, the jurisprudence exam, and the NCE or NCMHCE exam and engages in clinical practice with clients.
What changes is more on the level of administrative work? Once the independent license is obtained, the counselor may build an independent practice and see clients without supervision. They can also bill insurance independently. However, this is not required for LPCs. For instance, an LPC may choose to opt out of insurance panelling or may decide to continue working with a supervisor years and decades into their career. The important point is that this becomes their own choice rather than a state requirement, as it is for the LPC-A.
How to become an LPC-Associate
Becoming an LPC-Associate or its equivalent typically involves completing a qualifying master’s degree, meeting state examination requirements, and obtaining authorization to practice under supervision. Associate-level titles, eligibility requirements, and application procedures vary state by state, so applicants should check with their state licensing board before beginning the process. However, all states have the associate stage, regardless of the varying requirements from state to state.
Complete a Qualifying Master’s Degree
To become an LPC-A, you must first complete a master’s degree. This degree need not be an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. It may be called an MS in Psychology or another variation on the title, as long as the degree meets the requirements of your state to be qualified for an LPC. The important thing to check is if the master’s program prepares students for the LPC licensure track. This is typically advertised on the program home page or in fact sheets. But if this information is hard to find, you can contact the program administration directly to ask.
Meet State Examination Requirements
Upon completion, the student does not automatically acquire the LPC-A. Additional examination requirements vary by state and may include:
- Jurisprudence exam: Some states require an examination covering state laws and rules governing counseling practice.
- National Counselor Examination (NCE): Some states require this examination for licensure.
- National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE): Other states require this examination.
Some states require both national examinations or allow applicants to choose between them. The state licensing board determines which examinations are required and when applicants must complete them.
Apply for LPC-Associate Licensure
After graduation, the easy step is submitting all of this documentation (usually virtually) to the state licensing board for approval. In some states, the exams do not have to be completed before the submission of documentation, and many LPC-A’s opt to study for those exams during their provisional licensure period. Once submitted, the turnaround varies depending on state, time of year submitted, and number of submissions at the same time.
Find an Approved Clinical Supervisor
Once you have the LPC-A, you must find a supervisor who is eligible to supervise. Some states require that prospective supervisors obtain additional training. The license is often called Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S). Qualifications for approved supervisors vary by state. Some states require supervisors to hold a specific counseling license, complete additional supervision training, or receive board approval. Applicants should verify their prospective supervisor’s eligibility with their state licensing board before beginning supervised practice. Supervision can also take the form of a group supervision, wherein one supervisor is overseeing the work of more than one LPC-A at a time, and the group works through cases collaboratively. This is often a more affordable option for LPC-A’s.
Track and Document Your Supervised Hours
Supervised hours should be documented by both the supervisor and the supervisee and tracked for the duration of the provisional licensure period. At the end of this period, the LPC-A will obtain a document from the state regulatory agency stating the time period of supervision, the hours obtained, and the signature and license information of the supervisor. This document can be obtained directly from the regulatory agency’s website and is the supervisee’s responsibility to acquire it. An LPC-A need not work with only one supervisor necessarily, and it is common to submit more than one of those final supervision documents at the same time. Each document should be specific to each supervisor.
Supervised hours for an LPC-Associate, state by state
States differ in how many hours of work (direct and indirect) an LPC-Associate needs to advance to the independent license.
As mentioned, much of this process is determined by the specific state the LPC-A is working in. Hours and time period of supervision is one variable that can be quite drastically different between states. Below are four states with different supervisory requirements so you can grasp the variability. If you are looking for licensure outside of one of these states, it is important to contact your state’s regulatory board to look up their requirements online to prepare for this process in your state.
| Michigan | |
|---|---|
| Total supervised hours | 3,000 hours |
| Direct client contact minimum | No direct minimum specified |
| Supervision contact required | 100 hours of supervision, no frequency requirement provided. No specifications given on group supervision maximum. |
| Time limits | 2-year minimum |
| Rule citation | Mich. Admin. Code R 338.1774(1)(c)(i), (2); R 338.1777(3)–(4); R 338.1772 |
| Texas | |
|---|---|
| Total supervised hours | 3,000 hours |
| Direct client contact minimum | 1,500 hours |
| Supervision contact required | At least 4 hours per month. No more than 50% of supervised hours can be group supervision, which includes more than 2 associates. |
| Time limits | 18 months minimum |
| Rule citation | 22 Tex. Admin. Code §§681.92(a)–(e); 681.91(g)–(h) |
| New York | |
|---|---|
| Total supervised hours | 3,000 hours |
| Direct client contact minimum | 1,500 hours |
| Supervision contact required | Average 1 hour per week or 2 hours every other week. No group vs. individual supervision difference specified. |
| Time limits | No fixed minimum time listed. NYSED determines the reasonableness of the timeline on a case-by-case basis. |
| Rule citation | N.Y. Educ. Law §8402(3)(c); 8 NYCRR §79-9.3(a)–(c); 79-9.4(a)(2)–(3). |
| Florida | |
|---|---|
| Total supervised hours | No total supervised hours are specified outside of the hours listed below. |
| Direct client contact minimum | 1,500 hours |
| Supervision contact required | At least 100 supervision hours over no fewer than 100 weeks, and at least 1 hour every 2 weeks. Group supervision (3 or more associates) hours must alternate with individual supervision. |
| Time limits | 100 weeks minimum |
| Rule citation | Florida Administrative Code Rule 64B4-2.002 |
What supervision is actually like
Clinical vs. Administrative Supervision
Aside from administrative differences like insurance billing, mandatory supervision is the element that very much differentiates LPC and LPC-A.
Supervision generally addresses two important areas:
- Clinical supervision: Reviewing client cases, therapeutic interventions, clinical decision-making, and professional development.
- Administrative supervision: Addressing documentation, charting, insurance procedures, ethical responsibilities, and workplace requirements.
Counselors take on a lot of professional responsibility, so learning the nuances of charting, documentation, ethical procedures, and so on is highly important for early career practitioners. Clinical supervision, however, will greatly inform how professionals practice once they receive their independent license.
How Supervision Varies by Setting
Supervision may take place individually or in groups, with each approach offering different strengths. The focus of supervision also varies depending on the practice setting and the supervisor’s clinical approach.
For instance, when I was working in a higher level of care agency with a supervisor whose specialty was DBT, my clinical supervision was secondary to administrative because of the importance of insurance, note-taking, and documentation. The clinical aspect of my work with my supervisor was reviewing DBT skills and my teaching proficiency, as well as reviewing difficult cases and how to improve my facilitation of the group.
On the other hand, supervision in a private practice setting with a psychoanalytic supervisor is less focused on administrative work, because the burden is less in this setting, and more open-ended in terms of case material. We discussed my reactions to clients, what it felt like to be me in a therapeutic environment, and how to orient my interventions with clients I worked with for many months or even the entire duration of my LPC-A experience.
What Happens During Supervision Meetings?
Supervision meeting frequency and duration depend on state requirements and the supervision arrangement. Meetings may occur weekly or every other week, depending on what the state permits.
Supervision meetings may involve:
- Reviewing challenging client cases
- Discussing clinical interventions and treatment approaches
- Addressing ethical questions or documentation concerns
- Receiving feedback and guidance from the supervisor
It usually begins with each party bringing something to work on. If the supervisor has nothing, the supervisee is generally expected to bring clinical material from the week that felt challenging or ideas to work out with the supervisor. It can be a regular space of guidance and exploration, and will sharpen the LPC-A’s clinical acumen.
Frequently Asked Questions
An LPC-Associate is fully qualified to provide professional counseling. Their practice is still supervised, however, by a senior clinician.
LAC is the licensed addiction-counselor title in North Dakota, Louisiana, and Colorado, and the associate counseling tier in other states. You can verify the exact meaning of LAC with the state board. Some states, like North Dakota, have separate boards for counseling and addiction counseling.
Yes. An LPC-Associate can work in practice owned by someone else, and this is very common.
Yes, and this is done within the informed consent each client must sign before working with any clinician. The LPC-Associate will list their license and license number, as well as the name and license number of their supervisor.
This depends on where you are moving to. Some states, like California, do not accept associate licensees under any conditions. Other states treat it on a case-by-case basis. The transfer involves contacting your residing state’s board to send over the necessary documentation to the state you are moving to.
LPC-Associates should list their license or registration accurately on any public listing.
Conclusion
An LPC-Associate is a designation given to counselors after they have graduated from their master’s program and before they obtain the independent license, LPC. LPC-A professionals practice clinical counseling under the supervision of independently licensed counselors. The title varies by state, as does the type of licensure obtained during the provisional period. All states have some version of this stage, as it is a national requirement.
There are some limitations on what can be done administratively for LPC-A’s (for instance, billing insurance directly), but the professional practice of counseling and sitting with clients in the consulting room is the same.