How to become a Counselor in Louisiana

Learn how to earn your counseling licensure in LA

Click on the link that best describes your current situation...

Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in Louisiana. Most requirements such as earning your Master's degree, completing 3000 hours of supervised experience and passing the NCE examination have been and will continue to be mandatory in the Louisiana counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners at (225) 765-2515 to make sure you are on the right track.

I'm a High School Graduate...

As a high school graduate looking for information about Louisiana counseling certification, you are way ahead of the curve. Louisiana counseling licensure requires the applicant to have completed a master's degree at the very minimum.

This means you will have ample opportunity to learn more about career opportunities available to you in the counseling and psychology fields as you advance your education.

The next step for you is to learn how you can enroll in an associate's degree program or bachelor's degree program as soon as possible.

Click on the links below to browse schools offering programs in psychology or counseling.

Once you have enrolled in a program, take advantage of your school's career services department and learn how you can find employment or volunteer opportunities that are related to the counseling career path.

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I've already received my Bachelor's degree...

Once you have your bachelor's degree, you will need to find a school offering a master's or doctoral degree program in counseling.

Step One:

Click on the links below to contact schools offering Master's or PhD programs in counseling or related field.

Or request information from additional schools offering counseling programs in Louisiana.

Step Two:

Once your masters degree is completed, three thousand hours of supervised experience needs to be met within at least two years. Some of these hours can be earned through graduate courses in counseling beyond the masters degree. A written proposal for all post-graduate supervised hours needs to be approved by the Louisiana Professional Counselors Board of Examiners before you can begin. This process will also allow the Board to make sure your designated supervisor is qualified before you begin earning hours.

Find more information about the hourly requirements on the following Louisiana Professional Counselors Board webpage.

Step Three:

You will also eventually need to take and pass the National Counselors Examination. This exam is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The results should be sent directly from the NBCC to the Louisiana Professional Counselors Board of Examiners.

Registration information for the NCA exam can be found on the following Louisiana Professional Counselors Board website. More information about the National Counselors exam can be found on the NBCC website.

Step Four:

Next, you can download your Louisiana counseling license application and submit it to the Louisiana Professional Counselors Board of Examiners along with any other necessary forms and fees. Once your application is approved the Board will notify you of your licensure.

You can download the Louisiana counseling licensure application on the following Louisiana Counseling Board webpage.

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