In Arizona, individuals pursuing independent clinical practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) must complete a qualifying master’s degree, pass a Board-approved national examination, and complete 3,200 hours of supervised work experience over a minimum of 24 months. Arizona offers an associate-level license, the Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), which allows practice under supervision. A Board-approved national examination such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) is required.
Walden University : MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from)
Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Northwestern University : Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (Complete your COAMFTE-accredited MFT online program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree.)
NYU Steinhardt : Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (Prepare to pursue licensure with NYU Steinhardt’s MPCAC-accredited online counseling master’s. As few as 21 mos. to complete. GRE not req.)
Liberty University : MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online with required intensives)
National University : Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Accredited. No GRE. Scholarships Available)
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) : Master of Science (MS) in Counseling (100% Online, No GRE Required)
University of Denver : Master of Arts in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
The Chicago School : M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online Programs. CACREP Accredited.)Arizona Counseling Licensure & Supervision Quick Summary
| Requirement | Details |
| Official Licensing Board | Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners |
| Full Clinical License Title | Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) |
| Initial/Associate License Title | Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) |
| Total Supervised Hours Required | 3,200 hours |
| Minimum Direct Client Contact Hours | 1,600 hours |
| Required National Exam(s) | NCE, NCMHCE or CRC |
| State Jurisprudence Exam Required? | Yes |
The Path to Licensure in Arizona
Step 1: Complete a Qualifying Master’s Degree
Applicants must earn:
- A master’s or higher degree
- With a major emphasis in counseling
- At least 60 semester credit hours (or 90 quarter hours)
CACREP Accreditation:
CACREP accreditation is not required. Programs accredited by CACREP or similar accrediting bodies are accepted. Non-CACREP programs must meet curriculum requirements outlined in statute. Prospective applicants can explore Arizona counseling degrees to find relevant programs, including CACREP-accredited counseling programs.
Step 2: Pass the Required Examination(s)
Applicants must pass a Board-approved examination, such as:
- National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE exam)
- National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
- Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) Examination
Step 3: Apply for Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC)
Arizona offers the Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) credential.
- There is no supervised work experience requirement to obtain the LAC.
- Supervised hours required for LPC may accrue while licensed as an LAC.
- An LAC is not required prior to accruing supervised hours, according to statute and rule.
- LAC holders may practice only under direct supervision.
Background Check Requirement:
Applicants must provide a DPS clearance/fingerprint card as part of the application process.
Supervision Plan & Documentation:
Clinical supervision and documentation are required as specified in administrative rules.
Step 4: Complete Supervised Clinical Experience
To qualify for LPC licensure, applicants must complete:
- 3,200 hours of supervised work experience
- Including at least 1,600 hours of direct client contact
- Over a minimum of 24 months
Supervision must comply with Arizona Administrative Code requirements, including clinical supervision structure and documentation as required by rule.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements | Course Information | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Walden University
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required
|
Prepare to become the competent, compassionate counselor you were meant to be with Walden's CACREP-accredited MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
|
Learn More |
|
Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required
Bachelor's Required |
CACREP-accredited online Master of Arts in Counseling from The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months.
|
Learn More |
|
Northwestern University
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited
|
✔ Online
GRE Not Required
Bachelor's Required |
Complete your COAMFTE-accredited MFT online program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree.
|
Learn More |
|
NYU Steinhardt
Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
 MPCAC Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE not required; Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required
|
Prepare to pursue licensure with NYU Steinhardt’s MPCAC-accredited online counseling master’s. As few as 21 mos. to complete. GRE not req.
|
Learn More |
|
Liberty University
MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives
|
Our CACREP-accredited online master’s in counseling helps you become a skilled mental health counselor ready to empower others for positive change.
|
Learn More |
|
National University
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
WSCUC Accredited
|
✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required
|
Focused on training highly skilled counselors to provide impactful and culturally sensitive mental health services in their communities.
|
Learn More |
|
Mid-America Christian University (MACU)
Master of Science (MS) in Counseling
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
|
✔ Online
100% Online
|
Oklahoma’s largest MS in Counseling program, with emphases in addiction and substance abuse, applied behavioral science, clinical mental health counseling, and more!
|
Learn More |
|
University of Denver
Master of Arts in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
No GRE Required; Minimum GPA 2.5 Required
|
With no GRE required, earn your CACREP-accredited Master's in School Counseling online in as few as 24 months from the University of Denver.
|
Learn More |
|
The Chicago School
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree Required.
|
This online CMHC program prepares students for a career offering mental health services in a variety of settings. CACREP-accredited.
|
Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
For detailed degree information, view the guides to:
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Supervision & Ethics in Arizona
Who Qualifies as a Supervisor in Arizona?
Supervisors must be licensed professionals meeting Board rule qualifications. Acceptable licenses include:
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Psychologist
Are 1099 / Independent Contractor Roles Allowed for Associates?
An LAC may only practice under direct supervision and is not permitted to practice independently.
Common Licensure Pitfalls in Arizona
Pro Tip
Ensure supervision documentation complies with Arizona Administrative Code requirements throughout the 24-month supervised experience period. Supervision structure and documentation are mandatory components of licensure eligibility.
Warning
- An LAC may not practice independently.
- Failure to complete the full 3,200 hours, including 1,600 direct client contact hours, will prevent LPC licensure.
- The required supervised experience must span at least 24 months.
- Applicants must provide required DPS clearance/fingerprint documentation as part of the application process.
Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Northwestern University - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)
NYU Steinhardt - Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
National University - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (WSCUC Accredited)
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) - Master of Science (MS) in Counseling (Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accredited)
University of Denver - Master of Arts in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
The Chicago School - M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Licensure in Arizona
Can I Start a Private Practice as a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) in Arizona?
No. A Licensed Associate Counselor may only practice under direct supervision and may not practice independently.
How Long Does It Take to Become Fully Licensed in Arizona?
Arizona requires a minimum of 24 months of supervised work experience to qualify for LPC licensure. Completion time depends on how quickly the required 3,200 hours are accrued, but the experience must span at least 24 months.
Does Arizona Require CACREP Accreditation for Licensure?
No. CACREP accreditation is not required. Programs accredited by CACREP or similar accrediting bodies are accepted, and non-CACREP programs must meet statutory curriculum requirements.
