Minnesota Counseling Licensure & Supervision Roadmap

Minnesota licenses professional counselors through the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. The pathway begins with the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential. Applicants must complete the required graduate education and pass an examination accepted by the Board for LPC licensure, including the National Counselor Examination (NCE), the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), or an alternate examination determined by the Board to be equivalent to the NCE.

After meeting LPC requirements, counselors may pursue the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credential by completing 4,000 hours of supervised post-master’s professional practice, including 1,800 hours of direct client contact, with supervision completed in no fewer than 24 months and no more than 72 consecutive months.

Minnesota Counseling Licensure & Supervision Quick Summary

Requirement	Details
Official Licensing Board	Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy
Full Clinical License Title	Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Initial / Associate License Title	Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Total Supervised Hours Required	4,000 hours (for LPCC)
Minimum Direct Client Contact Hours	1,800 hours
Required National Exam(s)	National Counselor Examination (NCE); National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
State Jurisprudence Exam Required?	No

The Path to Licensure in Minnesota

Minnesota is unusual because the LPC license is already an independent counseling license. The LPCC license adds clinical authority, including diagnosing and treating mental disorders.

Step 1: Complete a Qualifying Master’s Degree

Applicants must complete a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or a related field.

Educational requirements include:

• Minimum 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours of graduate counseling coursework
  
• Degree from a CACREP-recognized program or a regionally accredited institution that meets board criteria. Prospective applicants can explore Minnesota counseling degrees to find relevant programs, including CACREP-accredited online counseling programs.
  

Clinical training requirements include:

• Minimum 700 hours of supervised field experience in counseling
  

Step 2: Pass the Required Examination(s)

Applicants must pass a national counseling examination accepted by the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy.

Accepted examinations for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure include:

• National Counselor Examination (NCE counseling exam)
  
• National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
  
• An alternate examination determined by the Board to be equivalent to the NCE
  

For Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licensure, applicants must pass the:

• National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)

Step 3: Apply for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Minnesota licenses counselors initially as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs).

Applicants must complete 2,000 hours of supervised professional practice as part of the LPC licensure requirements.

These hours may be completed:

• Before applying for LPC, or
  
• After obtaining the LPC under a board-approved supervision plan
  

If the hours were not completed prior to application, a supervision plan must be submitted to the Board for the first 2,000 hours of professional practice.

Step 4: Complete Supervised Clinical Experience

To qualify for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licensure, applicants must complete:

• 4,000 hours of supervised post-master’s professional practice
  
• At least 1,800 hours of direct client contact
  

Supervision requirements include:

• 200 total hours of supervision
  
• Two hours of supervision per 40 hours of professional practice
  

Supervision must occur:

• In no fewer than 24 months
  
• Within no more than 72 consecutive months
  

Supervision may include real-time, two-way interactive audio-visual communication, which counts as in-person supervision.

At least:

• 75% of supervision must occur in person or via real-time interactive audio-visual communication
  
• Up to 25% may occur via telephone or other audio/audiovisual communication
  

Supervisors must verify completion of supervised practice and submit documentation to the Board.

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Supervision & Ethics in Minnesota

Who Can Supervise LPCC Candidates?

Supervision must be provided by:

• A Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, or
  
• Another board-approved licensed mental health professional
  

Supervisors must have at least two years of post-licensure professional counseling experience.

Can LPCs Practice Independently?

Yes. The LPC is an independent license in Minnesota. However, LPCs cannot diagnose and treat mental illness, which requires LPCC licensure.

When Do Supervised Hours Count?

Supervised hours must:

• Occur under a board-approved supervision plan
  
• Be completed under a qualified supervisor
  
• Be documented and verified for licensure
  

Hours completed outside an approved supervision arrangement may not count.

Common Licensure Pitfalls in Minnesota

Pro Tip

Track the key experience requirements carefully:

• 4,000 supervised hours
  
• 1,800 direct client contact hours
  
• 100 supervision hours (including 75 individual)
  

Ensure your supervision plan is approved before supervision begins.

Warning

• Supervised hours completed before board approval of the supervision plan may not count.
  
• LPCs may practice independently but must complete supervised clinical hours to qualify for LPCC.
  
• Only qualified supervisors approved by the board can supervise LPCC candidates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Licensure in Minnesota

Can LPCs Diagnose Mental Disorders in Minnesota?

No. Diagnosis and treatment of mental illness generally require Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licensure.

How Long Does It Take to Become an LPCC?

Applicants must complete:

• 4,000 supervised clinical hours
  
• At least 2 years of supervised practice

Does Minnesota Require CACREP Accreditation?

No. CACREP accreditation is not required, but graduate programs must meet the coursework standards specified in Minn. Stat. §148B.53 and Minn. R. 2150.

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