Licensed Professional Counselor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of mental health awareness, the importance of Licensed Professional Counselors has never been more pronounced.

Society marches forward, and with each step, the call for empathetic professionals who can guide, support, and protect our psychological well-being becomes louder.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Licensed Professional Counselor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the dynamics of counseling,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we unveil a customizable Licensed Professional Counselor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Licensed Professional Counselor Duties and Responsibilities

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) help clients deal with different types of emotional, mental, and behavioral issues through therapeutic techniques and strategies.

LPCs must follow ethical guidelines and maintain confidentiality while performing the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assess clients’ mental health status through interviews, observations, tests, and therapeutic techniques
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on client needs and goals
• Provide a variety of counseling services such as individual, group, family, or crisis intervention counseling
• Help clients understand and overcome personal issues, such as trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, and stress
• Teach clients strategies and coping mechanisms to manage mental health issues
• Refer clients to other resources or services, such as psychiatrists or social workers, for additional support
• Keep comprehensive records of client progress and treatment for reference and evaluation purposes
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic client care
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training to stay current in counseling techniques and trends
• Adhere to all local, state, and federal regulations regarding counseling services and professional licensure
• Communicate with family members and other stakeholders with the consent of the client to provide better support

 

Licensed Professional Counselor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor to join our mental health team.

This role includes evaluating clients’ mental health conditions, creating treatment plans, conducting counseling sessions, and overseeing progress.

The successful candidate will be a compassionate and understanding individual, capable of building trusting relationships with clients.

They should possess excellent communication skills and a strong knowledge of mental health conditions and therapy methods.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess clients’ mental condition based on review of client information, interviews, observation and tests
• Develop and implement individual treatment plans, outlining counseling services and strategies
• Conduct regular counseling sessions with clients individually or in group sessions
• Monitor and evaluate clients’ progress and modify treatment plans as needed
• Refer clients to additional services or specialists when necessary
• Document and maintain client records in accordance with professional standards
• Adhere to ethical and professional standards set by relevant certification bodies
• Stay up-to-date with developments in counseling techniques and practices

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor
• Familiarity with various types of therapies (CBT, DBT, etc.) and counseling techniques
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build and maintain trust with clients
• Current state license for professional counseling
• Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Licensed Professional Counselor
• Work Environment: Counseling center or private practice setting, with options for telehealth services. Some travel may be required for home visits or consultations at other locations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Clinical Director or Mental Health Services Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $80,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and copies of your credentials to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Licensed Professional Counselor Do?

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) are mental health professionals who provide counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and groups.

They work in diverse settings such as mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, government agencies, and private practice.

These professionals utilize therapeutic techniques to help clients manage and overcome mental and emotional issues, such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, stress, and substance abuse.

They help clients understand their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, assisting them in developing coping strategies and problem-solving skills.

LPCs conduct comprehensive assessments to diagnose mental health disorders and create individualized treatment plans.

These plans may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, mindfulness techniques, family therapy, and other interventions depending on the client’s needs.

In addition to counseling, LPCs may also provide psychoeducation, which involves educating clients about their mental health conditions and how to manage them effectively.

They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers to ensure holistic care for their clients.

Moreover, LPCs often engage in continuous professional development to stay updated with the latest advancements in counseling theories and techniques.

They adhere to ethical guidelines and maintain confidentiality to provide a safe and supportive environment for their clients.

 

Licensed Professional Counselor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Licensed Professional Counselor should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Strong communication skills to engage effectively with clients, understand their issues, and convey the necessary guidance and therapeutic interventions.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to foster a supportive relationship with clients, enabling them to discuss personal and sensitive topics openly.
• Ability to apply a range of counseling theories and therapeutic techniques to assist clients in managing a variety of mental health issues and life challenges.
• High level of empathy and understanding to relate to clients’ experiences and emotions.
• Good problem-solving skills to help clients identify and explore their issues, develop coping strategies, and work towards their personal goals.
• Confidentiality and professional ethics to respect clients’ privacy and ensure the therapeutic process is carried out ethically.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage appointment schedules, document counseling sessions, and maintain client records efficiently.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to clients.
• Possess a Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or related field, and hold a state-issued professional counseling license.

 

Licensed Professional Counselor Experience Requirements

Licensed Professional Counselors generally earn a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, where they obtain extensive theoretical and practical knowledge to prepare for their professional roles.

During their course of study, students are often required to complete internships, practicums, or supervised clinical experiences, which provide them with hands-on counseling experience under the guidance of seasoned professionals.

Entry-level Licensed Professional Counselors typically need at least 2,000 to 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience post-graduation, depending on the state’s requirements.

This allows them to refine their counseling skills and gain real-world experience managing a diverse range of client issues.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed a specialization in a certain counseling field, such as marriage and family therapy, substance abuse counseling, or trauma therapy.

Those with more than 5 years of experience and a significant number of clinical hours may be considered for supervisory or managerial roles in a counseling setting.

They may also have the necessary experience and qualifications to open their private practice.

 

Licensed Professional Counselor Education and Training Requirements

To become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), individuals typically must obtain a master’s degree in counseling or a related mental health field.

This degree program includes coursework in theories and practices of counseling, psychological testing, group therapy, ethical and legal issues in counseling, and supervised practicum and internship experiences.

In addition to the master’s degree, most states require LPCs to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours, usually 2,000 to 4,000, depending on the state.

After satisfying the educational and clinical requirements, individuals must pass a state licensure exam, such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE), to obtain their professional license.

Continuing education is an important part of maintaining licensure and staying current with the latest developments in the field.

Therefore, LPCs are often required to complete ongoing professional development courses or workshops.

For those interested in specialization, additional certifications such as Certified Addiction Counselor or Certified Trauma Professional can be pursued.

As with any career, the key to success is a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

 

Licensed Professional Counselor Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Licensed Professional Counselor is $47,240 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary depending on factors such as years of experience, area of specialization, geographic location, and the employer.

 

Licensed Professional Counselor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Licensed Professional Counselor need?

Licensed Professional Counselors typically need a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field.

They must also pass a state-recognized licensure exam and complete a certain number of supervised hours in a clinical setting.

Some states may require additional certifications or qualifications.

 

What are the daily duties of a Licensed Professional Counselor?

Licensed Professional Counselors typically spend their day conducting individual and group therapy sessions, creating and implementing treatment plans, and maintaining client records.

They may also consult with other healthcare professionals to provide a holistic treatment approach for their clients.

They also need to stay up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in their field.

 

What qualities make a good Licensed Professional Counselor?

A good Licensed Professional Counselor is empathetic, patient, and has excellent listening and communication skills.

They need to be able to build trust with their clients and make them feel comfortable sharing their feelings and experiences.

They should also be adaptable, as they may need to modify their approach depending on their client’s needs and progress.

 

What should you look for in a Licensed Professional Counselor resume?

When reviewing a Licensed Professional Counselor resume, ensure that they have the required education and licensure.

It’s also important to check for relevant experience, such as internships or clinical work, and any specializations they may have.

Look for evidence of soft skills like communication, empathy, and adaptability.

 

What is the career advancement potential for a Licensed Professional Counselor?

Licensed Professional Counselors have several avenues for career advancement.

They can specialize in a specific area of counseling, such as substance abuse or family therapy, or they can choose to open their own private practice.

Some may also opt to pursue further education, such as a doctoral degree, which can lead to roles in academia or research.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

We’ve now unfolded the intricacies of what it really means to be a licensed professional counselor.

Surprise!

It’s not just about offering advice.

It’s about shaping lives and making an impact, one counseling session at a time.

Armed with our dedicated licensed professional counselor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your passport to precision-crafted listings or fine-tuning your resume to stand out from the crowd.

Remember:

Every counseling session is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape the future. Together.

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