Mental health or substance abuse counselor: master's, exam and license
Mental health counselors typically need a master's degree with a supervised internship, a national exam (NCE or NCMHCE), supervised clinical hours and a state license. Substance abuse counselors often start with a bachelor's.
For: Good listeners who stay calm with distressed clients and want to help people with addiction, depression and other problems.
Route 1: Licensed mental health counselor (LPC / LMHC) All states license
All states require mental health counselors to be licensed.
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Start here
Bachelor's degree
Common fields: psychology, public policy and social services, social science.
BLS
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Master's
Master's in counseling with a supervised internship
Master's programs often include a clinically supervised internship.
BLS
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Exam gate
NCE or NCMHCE
The national exam the state requires.
NCE exam pageNBCC
NBCC examinations: national certification and state licensureNational Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Supervised
Supervised clinical work
Under the supervision of a licensed counselor.
BLS
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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License
State counselor license
License stepsBLS
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Mental health counselor
BLS
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 2: Substance abuse or behavioral disorder counselor Bachelor's typical
Requirements range from a high school diploma to a master's, depending on the position, state and employer.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Typical
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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License
State requirements outside private practice
They vary: not all states require a specific degree, but some require an exam.
BLS
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Substance abuse counselor
Private practice needs a master's degree, supervised clinical hours, an exam and a state license.
BLS
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
State licensing matrix
The license title, exam and supervised hours differ by state. What four state boards publish: BLS
View source
| State or city | What you need |
|---|---|
| Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council — State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors |
Start as an LPC Associate (practice only under a board-approved supervisor) with NCE or NCMHCE scores, the Texas jurisprudence exam and fingerprints, then upgrade to a full LPC after at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience. Texas has no reciprocity or temporary license. Texas BHECLPC AssociateTexas Behavioral Health Executive Council (State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors)
Texas BHECUpgrade to full LPCTexas Behavioral Health Executive Council (State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors)
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| California Board of Behavioral Sciences |
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC): pass the LPCC California Law and Ethics Exam, then the NCMHCE. California BBSLPCC clinical examination (NCMHCE)California Board of Behavioral Sciences
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| New York NYSED Office of the Professions |
Licensed Mental Health Counselor: at least 21, a master's or doctorate in counseling (60 semester hours of clinical mental health counseling, or equivalent), at least 3,000 clock hours of supervised experience after the master's, the licensing exam and child-abuse reporting training. NYSEDLicense requirements for mental health counselorsNew York State Education Department, Office of the Professions
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| Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling |
Licensed Mental Health Counselor: from 1 July 2025 a 60-semester-hour master's in mental health counseling from a CACREP, MPCAC or equivalent program; 2 years of supervision (1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy); the national exam; and Florida laws and rules (8 hours) and HIV/AIDS (3 hours) courses. Florida 491 BoardLicensed mental health counselor: license by examinationFlorida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
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Dates and rules to re-check
These change by season or by law. Checked 20 Oct 2026.
- NBCC is preparing a 2027 version of the NCE.
NBCC NCE
About the National Counselor Examination (NCE)National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.