How to Become a Counselor in Pennsylvania

Have you been seeking information on how to become an LPC in Pennsylvania? We have compiled some important information for you. Pennsylvania usually requires a Master’s degree to work as a professional counselor. Take your time to design the best game plan to create the career of your choice. For more information on the difference between a Psychologist and a Counselor, please click here.

Future LPC: For Student in Pennsylvania High School or Pennsylvania High School Graduate

Your First Step: Though you have many choices for major as an undergraduate, there are advantages to ones such as Psychology and Social Work, in that you may have a jump start on future classes in graduate school. Having an education background can benefit you if you are entering the field of school counseling. Your Second Step: Get the best grades that you possibly can. Graduate school is highly competitive and you want to be the best candidate possible.

Bachelor’s Degree College Graduates

(CACREP– The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs). Rehabilitation counseling programs are usually accredited by CORE (The Council on Rehabilitation Education). First: Gain substantial work experience or volunteer experience in the field of counseling. Second: Build a strong resume and references. Third: Those pursuing school counseling will enter a graduate program that involves an important practicum and internship. The path toward Licensed Professional Counselor requires a sixty semester hour program. (Master’s programs that contain forty-eight semester hours are appropriate, given that the additional coursework is completed.) Fourth: Make sure to take your appropriate licensing exams. Those pursuing school counseling will take the Praxis test, for example. Fifth: Make sure that you successfully complete a period of supervised practice before achieving your professional counseling license. For more information on licensing in Pennsylvania, please click here. Counselor Agencies State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors Department of Education We wish you the best of success in your pursuit of becoming a counselor in Pennsylvania.