The path to becoming a Mental Health Counselor is one that has both challenges and rewards. I am going to share with you the journey in becoming a Mental Health Professional in Minnesota.
After you obtain a Bachelor’s degree (4 years) you have to obtain a Master of Counseling degree from a CACREP accredited university (3 years). I obtained my Master’s from Capella University where all courses were online. There they required two, week-long in person residencies and a 700-hour internship (Approx 9 months).
Next you’ll then find a job where you can work to obtain the necessary required hours to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). In order to work independently and to accept insurance you must obtain an LPCC. In Minnesota, obtaining an LPCC is the gold standard for any Mental Health Professional.
Let’s talk about the necessary required hours and licensure exams. In order to obtain an LPC, you must complete 2000 hours of worked time, with 100 hours of supervision time, approx. 1 year. You have the choice of taking one of two exams. The National Counselor Exam (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE). Mostclinicians take the NCMHCE because in order to receive the LPCC, you must pass this exam. In order to obtain an LPCC in MN, you must work for 4000 hours, obtain 1800 client contact hours, and 200 hours of supervision. Approx. 2 years’ time. The supervision hours must be obtained at a rate of 2 hours per every 40 hours worked. You meet one-on-one with your supervisor to discuss diagnosing, ethics, laws and regulations, and helping you to grow and build as a clinician.
Once you obtain your license, it doesn’t end there. Every year you have to renew your license, and you must continue to obtain continuing education credits. All in all, they do not just let anyone be a Mental Health Counselor, but if anyone is interested in learning more or is interested in the field don’t hesitate to reach out! This profession could always use more people who will advocate for the importance of mental health.
Thanks for reading,
Britt
Safehavencounselingandwellness.com
