Connecticut Counseling Licensure & Supervision Roadmap

In Connecticut, the pathway to licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) includes completing a qualifying graduate degree, passing a required national examination (NCE or NCMHCE), and completing 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised experience over not less than two years.

Connecticut also licenses Licensed Professional Counselor Associates, who may practice only under professional supervision while working toward full LPC licensure.

Connecticut Counseling Licensure & Supervision Quick Summary

Requirement	Details
Official Licensing Board	Connecticut Department of Public Health
Full Clinical License Title	Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Initial/Associate License Title	Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Total Supervised Hours Required	3,000 hours
Minimum Direct Client Contact Hours	Not specified
Required National Exam(s)	National Counselor Examination (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
State Jurisprudence Exam Required?	No

The Path to Licensure in Connecticut

Step 1: Complete a Qualifying Graduate Degree

Applicants must earn a:

• Master’s or doctoral degree in counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or psychology
  
• With sixty graduate semester hours in or related to counseling
  

CACREP: Not required; the statute specifies degree and coursework but does not require CACREP accreditation. Prospective applicants can explore Connecticut counseling degrees to find relevant programs, including CACREP-accredited online counseling programs.

Step 2: Pass the Required Examination(s)

Applicants must pass one of the following examinations:

• National Counselor Examination (NCE exam), or
  
• National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)

Step 3: Complete Postgraduate Supervised Experience

Connecticut statutes do not establish an associate counselor license. Individuals complete supervised experience prior to licensure. Note that individuals who have completed education but are still completing the 3,000 supervised hours may be issued an LPC Associate designation.

Total Hours Required

• 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised experience in professional counseling.
  

Minimum Timeframe

• At least two years.
  

Supervision Documentation

• Applicants must submit verification of supervised experience to the Department of Public Health.

*Sponsored Counseling Programs

Supervision & Ethics in Connecticut

Who Qualifies as a Supervisor in Connecticut?

Supervision for the required postgraduate experience may be provided by:

• Licensed professional counselor
  
• Licensed physician certified in psychiatry
  
• Licensed psychologist
  
• Licensed marital and family therapist
  
• Licensed clinical social worker
  
• Psychiatric advanced practice registered nurse

What Documentation Is Required for Supervision?

Connecticut’s definition of direct professional supervision includes:

• Face-to-face consultation
  
• At least monthly review
  
• A written evaluation and assessment of the supervisee’s practice

Can Associates Practice Independently in Connecticut?

No. Licensed Professional Counselor Associates may practice only under professional supervision.

Common Licensure Pitfalls in Connecticut

Pro Tip

Connecticut defines direct professional supervision with specific components (face-to-face consultation, monthly review, and written evaluation/assessment). Keep supervision records consistent with those statutory elements.

Warning

• The 3,000 hours must be completed over not less than two years.
  
• Connecticut does not specify a required number of direct client contact hours in the cited statute..
  
• It is unlawful to use the titles “licensed professional counselor” or “licensed professional counselor associate” unless licensed under the chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Licensure in Connecticut

Can I Start a Private Practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Connecticut?

No. Associates may practice only under professional supervision, and independent practice is not permitted.

How Long Does It Take to Become Fully Licensed in Connecticut?

Connecticut requires 3,000 hours of supervised postgraduate experience performed over not less than two years.

Does Connecticut Require CACREP Accreditation for Licensure?

No. The statute specifies degree level and coursework/credit-hour requirements and does not require CACREP accreditation.

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