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LPC near me, licensed professional counselors in your city

A licensed professional counselor is a master's level mental health professional licensed by a state to provide counseling and psychotherapy. The title changes from state to state, which can be confusing when you compare profiles. This page explains the common names, what the license generally allows and how to check it, and helps you find an LPC near you. Searching NearbyTherapy is free for patients and no account is needed.

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What an LPC is

Licensed professional counselors are trained to assess mental health concerns and to provide individual, group, couples and family counseling. Their training draws on counseling theory, human development, multicultural practice and ethics. Many work in private practice, community agencies, schools, hospitals and addiction programs.

Counselors are one of the largest groups of licensed therapists in the United States, so in many cities they make up a large share of the providers you will find in a search.

One license, several names

Every state licenses professional counselors, but the title on a profile depends on the state. These are some of the most common.

TitleStands forWhere you will often see it
LPCLicensed Professional CounselorTexas, Arizona, Illinois and many other states
LMHCLicensed Mental Health CounselorNew York, Florida, Massachusetts, Washington
LPCCLicensed Professional Clinical CounselorCalifornia and some other states
LCPCLicensed Clinical Professional CounselorIllinois, Maryland, Maine and others

Some states have two tiers. Illinois, for example, issues both the LPC and the more advanced LCPC. Texas uses LPC Associate for counselors practicing under supervision, and Arizona issues a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) credential before the full LPC. Our article on counselor vs therapist looks at how these names are used in everyday speech.

Details not yet confirmed by the provider. Call to ask about insurance and fees.

The typical training path

The general route is similar across states, with details set by each licensing board.

  • A master's degree in counseling, often around 60 semester credits, frequently from a program accredited by CACREP.
  • Supervised clinical experience after the degree, commonly about two to three years and a few thousand hours.
  • A national exam, usually the National Counselor Examination or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination from NBCC, plus any state law exam.
  • Continuing education to renew the license.

What LPCs generally can and cannot do

LPCs provide counseling and psychotherapy, and in most states they can assess and diagnose mental health conditions within their scope. Many choose a focus, such as couples, children and teens, grief or addiction, and list it on their profile.

LPCs do not prescribe medication. Formal psychological testing is generally the domain of psychologists, although counselors may use some screening tools. When medication is part of the picture, counselors often work alongside psychiatrists, primary care physicians or psychiatric nurse practitioners.

How to verify a counselor's license

  • Note the license title, number and state from the profile, or ask the counselor.
  • Look it up on the state board website, such as the Behavioral Health Executive Council in Texas, the Board of Behavioral Health Examiners in Arizona, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in Illinois, the Board of Behavioral Sciences in California or the Office of the Professions in New York.
  • Check that the status is active and whether any public actions are recorded.
  • Search the NPI in the NPPES NPI Registry to confirm the name, taxonomy and practice address.

On NearbyTherapy, registry listings show the NPI and, when present, the license number and state. Claimed profiles carry a License verified badge.

Questions to ask a counselor

  • Which title and license do you hold, and are you fully licensed or under supervision?
  • What kinds of concerns do you work with most often?
  • Which approaches do you use, such as CBT or others?
  • How often would we meet, and for how long?
  • Can we meet online, and in which states are you licensed?
  • Do you take my insurance, offer a sliding scale or provide a superbill?

Paying for counseling

Counselors are in network with many plans, and many also see self pay clients. Fees depend on city, experience and setting. Read our guide to therapists that take insurance, the page on therapists that take Medicaid and how much therapy costs.

Is an LMHC the same as an LPC?

They are the same type of license under different state names. New York uses LMHC, while Texas and Arizona use LPC. The training path is broadly similar.

Can an LPC diagnose?

In most states, licensed professional counselors can assess and diagnose mental health conditions within their scope of practice. Rules differ by state, so the state board is the final source.

Can a counselor prescribe medication?

No. Counselors provide therapy. Medication is prescribed by physicians or psychiatric nurse practitioners.

What does LPC Associate mean?

In Texas, an LPC Associate has completed the degree and exam and is practicing under an approved supervisor while gaining hours toward the full LPC.

If you need help now

NearbyTherapy is a directory, not a crisis or emergency service. If you are thinking about suicide or self harm, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline). Call 911 in an emergency. See our crisis page for more options.

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