Counselor Licensing Requirements in Mississippi
Counselor Licensing Requirements in Mississippi should be followed closely in order to practice professionally as a counselor in the state. We want to make sure that you have important information about Counselor Licensing Requirements in Mississippi. This information will help you in your decision-making about the exact path to take toward licensing to work as a professional counselor in the state of Mississippi.
Though there is only one type (LPC) of licensing in Mississippi, the process of gaining licensing may vary depending on what counseling experience you currently hold.
Spend some time reading through this web page. If you have any additional questions, scroll to the bottom of the page for more information.
Mississippi Counselor Credential Titles
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Licensed Professional Counselor – Candidate Applicant who has satisfied experience and educational requirements but still needs to pass the exam.
A background check is required of all candidates.
Mississippi Counselor Educational Requirements
Master’s degree or educational specialist’s degree in counselor education or a related program from a regionally or nationally accredited college/university program, subject to board approval, with 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) and completion of coursework in 10 content areas.
OR
Doctoral degree primarily in counseling, guidance, or related counseling field from a regionally or nationally accredited college/university program, subject to board approval, with 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) and completion of coursework in 10 content areas.
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Mississippi Counselor Experiential Requirements
2 years/3,500 hours of supervised counseling experience in a clinical setting (1,750 hours must be post-masters experience).
1,167 hours must be direct counseling service to clients to include counseling-related activities.
A minimum of 100 hours of supervision is required (50 hours may be group supervision).
Supervision must be under an LPC that has met the requirements to be an MS Board Qualified Supervisor.
Mississippi Counseling Exam(s) Required
NCE – Will accept the NCMHCE but not required.
Click here and discover what online counseling and psychology educational opportunities are a match for you!
Requirements for Clinical Supervisors
Licensed as a professional counselor approved by the board with at least 5 years of counseling experience (2 years must be post-licensure experience) and successful completion of a 3 semester hour (37.5 clock hours) graduate course in counselor supervision or a CE course consisting of 30 clock hours of training.
Requirements for Out of State Applicants
Mississippi does not presently have an agreement of reciprocity with any other state. Licensure criteria met by the applicant in other states may be honored by the MS State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors if he/she meets the requirements for licensure in the State of Mississippi. Each criterion will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Scope of Practice
“COUNSELING/PSYCHOTHERAPY PROCEDURES” counseling/psychotherapy is the application of mental health, psychological, or human development principles, through cognitive, affective, behavioral, or systemic intervention strategies that address wellness, personal growth, or career development, as well as pathology. Counseling/psychotherapy involves diagnoses, assessment, and treatment by use of counseling/psychotherapy methods and techniques, both verbal and nonverbal, which require the application of principles, methods, or procedures of understanding, predicting and/or influencing behavior or motivation; the use of informational and community resources for personal or social development; the use of group and/or placement methods and techniques which serve to further the goals of counseling/psychotherapy; designing, conducting and interpreting research on human subjects and on any consultation on any item above; appraisal techniques including, but not limited to, testing of achievement, abilities, interests, aptitudes and personality.
Salary Expectations for Mississippi Counselors
The state of Mississippi gives counselors the opportunity to follow their career goals while earning an excellent living. Counselors in the state make an annual salary between $31,080 and $48,880, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Now that you are familiar with the counselor licensing requirements in Mississippi, visit our
How to Become a Counselor in Mississippi page for a more detailed look into the steps you will need to take to make your dream of becoming a counselor a reality.
Additional Information about LPC Requirements in Mississippi
MS State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors
239 North Lamar St
Suite 402
Jackson, MS 39201
601-359-1010
https://www.lpc.ms.gov/secure/index.asp
Application packet: $10
Application fee: $100
Source:
http://mlpca.net/mississippi-code-of-1972/
