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South Carolina Counseling License Requirements

As of May 2021, at least 9,100 counseling professionals in South Carolina work in the major occupational groups, although data is not available for all groups.1-5 To earn counseling licensure in South Carolina, you should be familiar with how the state issues licenses for various types of counseling as well as the education, exam, and work experience requirements. This guide discusses how to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and other South Carolina counseling license pathways.

Table of Contents

How to Become a Counselor in South Carolina
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Licensing Process
Additional Counseling Careers and Licenses in South Carolina
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
School Counselor
Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
Other Professional Counseling Careers
South Carolina Counseling Career and Salary Information
Counseling Associations in South Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions

How to Become a Counselor in South Carolina

South Carolina requires that most types of professional counselors in the state have a valid license and a master’s degree in an area related to the practice area pursued. Many schools in South Carolina offer counseling programs to meet the state’s specific education requirements, though out-of-state programs may meet requirements in whole or in part. Prospective counselors should also be prepared to meet supervised work experience and exam requirements.

1. Decide which area of counseling to pursue.

First, you should decide on an area of counseling and a specific counseling license you’d like to pursue. The steps to licensure will vary depending on the type of counseling as each has different steps and educational requirements. Deciding on a specific area ahead of time will help you earn your counseling license as quickly and efficiently as possible.

2. Earn the degree(s) required for your counseling practice area.

With the exception of substance abuse counseling, all the major types of counseling licensure in South Carolina require a graduate degree. Mental health counselors must have a 60-credit master’s or doctoral degree with specified coursework and practicum requirements; marriage and family therapists must have a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field; and school counselors must complete an approved master’s degree in school counseling. Those with a bachelor’s degree in a human service field can apply for Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) certification, but a master’s or doctoral degree is required for Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) certification.

3. Get licensed to practice counseling in South Carolina.

After finishing the required degree, you can apply for licensure from the board that oversees your area of counseling. The South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors, and Psycho-Educational Specialists (the Board) handles licensure for mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists, while the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) administers educator certificates to school counselors. The Addiction Professionals of South Carolina (APSC) Certification Commission offers voluntary certifications for substance abuse counselors.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Licensing Process

Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) are licensed by the South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors, and Psycho-Educational Specialists (the Board). In South Carolina, LPCs can provide individual, family, and group therapy, including marital counseling, play therapy, couples counseling, substance abuse counseling, vocational counseling, school counseling, rehabilitation counseling, human growth/development counseling, hypnotherapy, and behavioral modification counseling based on the areas in which they have appropriate training. If you would like to learn more about a career as a professional counselor, read our mental health counselor career guide. The Board does not provide a list of approved programs, but applicants must have a 60-credit master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited institution in counseling or a related field with at least three credits in ten coursework areas, including human growth and development, appraisal of individuals, and at least 150 hours of supervised practicum. An additional 600-hour supervised internship and coursework in psychopathology is necessary for counselors seeking to provide assessment and treatment of mental health disorder services.

1. Register as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA).

The first step in acquiring LPC licensure is to apply for a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) license, also known as an intern license. In South Carolina, the Board has commissioned the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE) to conduct an educational review of each applicant’s file to assess whether they meet basic education and exam requirements. The application packet is available online and the application and education review fee is $170 (as of December 2022) payable to CCE. You must also send a clinical supervision plan outlining how you will meet the supervised practice requirements as an LPCA.

2. Pass one of the required exams.

Once your application has been reviewed by CCE, you will be sent registration details to take one of the required exams if you have not already done so. Both the National Counselor Exam (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) are acceptable. Handbooks and links to study materials are available on the NBCC website. The exams are administered at Pearson Vue testing centers across the country, normally during the first two weeks of each month. As of December 2022, the fee to take the exam is $275.

3. Receive your LPCA license.

It can take up to six weeks for your exam results to be sent to CCE from NBCC. Once CCE has approved your completed application, the results of the review will be sent to the Board for final approval. It can take up to six weeks for the Board to make a decision about your license and results will be sent by mail. Once you are approved for the LPCA license, you must pay the license fee ($150 as of December 2022) and you will then receive your license card in the mail. This license will be valid for two years.

4. Accrue supervised experience.

You can begin to accrue supervised experience hours once your LPCA license has been approved. You must complete at least 1,500 hours of supervised direct client counseling in at least two years. At least 120 hours of supervision must be provided by an approved LPC supervisor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or another Board-approved supervisor. Supervisors must be licensed in South Carolina and have five years of recent and continuous clinical experience. Further details can be found on the LPCA Supervision Plan that must be submitted to the Board. Once you have completed the required experience, you will need to submit the Confirmation of Clinical Supervision form to the Board.

5. Request and receive your LPC license.

After completing the required supervised experience, you will be eligible to upgrade your LPCA license to a full LPC license. The Board will review your application and send the results by mail. At that time, you will need to pay a $150 activation fee (as of December 2022) before the Board will mail your license to you. Once approved, you can also print copies of your license using the online portal.

LPC Licensure by Endorsement in South Carolina

In South Carolina, non-residents are allowed to practice up to five days per month and thirty days per year if they are licensed in their home state. Individuals who wish to practice above this limit must apply for licensure through the Board. Licensure by endorsement is available to applicants who have an active license in another state and meet the requirements for LPC licensure in South Carolina, including degree, coursework, and supervision. Prospective applicants should follow the Board’s instructions to apply for licensure by endorsement. The application and education review fee is $170 as of December 2022. Applications are approved on a case-by-case basis, and the process can be lengthy.

Counselor License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

Licenses expire on August 31 of odd-numbered years. Licenses can be renewed online and as of December 2022, the renewal fee is $150. Late renewals are subject to an additional $50 fee until November 30 at which time a lapsed license fee of $300 is required (fees as of December 2022). Each licensee must complete at least 40 hours of continuing education (CE) during each renewal period with the exception of LPCAs. A minimum of 25 CE hours must be completed through formal activities and six hours of ethics training are required. Examples of approved activities can be found in the CE FAQ document.

Additional Counseling Careers and Licenses in South Carolina

In South Carolina, the counseling licensure steps will vary according to the type of counseling you wish to practice. In addition to mental health counseling, other major areas of counseling are discussed below, including: licensed marriage and family therapists, school counselors, and substance abuse counselors.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

The South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors, and Psycho-Educational Specialists (the Board) issues licenses for marriage and family therapists and the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE) manages the application process. The minimum educational requirement for LMFTs is a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from an accredited school. The degree must include at least 60 credits, including three credits in five specified coursework areas and a 300-hour supervised practicum. South Carolina LMFTs provide counseling services to individuals, couples, and families, on an individual basis or in groups, to address social, emotional, mental, and behavioral issues in the context of marriage and family systems. The LMFT licensure process in South Carolina requires candidates to:

  1. Send your Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFT/A) license application package to the CCE.
  2. Take and pass the Marital and Family Therapy (MFT) National Examination from the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
  3. Send the license fee and receive your LMFT/A license from the Board.
  4. Accrue 1,500 hours of postgraduate clinical experience over at least two years, including 1,380 direct client contact hours and 120 hours of supervision.
  5. Submit an MFT Confirmation of Clinical Supervision form to the Board.
  6. Apply to upgrade to and receive your LMFT license.

To learn more about licensed marriage and family therapist careers, visit our LMFT career guide.

School Counselor

In South Carolina, school counselors are able to work with students in public and private schools from Pre-K to twelfth grade providing academic, emotional, and career support. They also ensure positive learning environments and develop programs to help students become school leaders. The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) issues two school counselor certificates that are categorized under Service Fields: the Elementary certificate for Pre-K to eighth grade and the Secondary certificate for grades six to 12. The processing fee is $105 (as of December 2022). The minimum educational requirement is a master’s degree and an approved educator preparation program in school counseling. To earn a school counseling license, you must follow these steps:

  1. Submit an application online through the My SC Educator Portal for initial registration and certification.
  2. Complete a fingerprint and criminal background check.
  3. Pass the Praxis Professional School Counselor exam.
  4. Request and receive your Initial educator certificate in school counseling.
  5. Be employed in a South Carolina public school, participate in your district’s induction program, and successfully complete the evaluation of teaching performance at the Annual contract level as part of the system for Assisting, Developing, and Evaluating Professional Teaching (ADEPT).
  6. Request and receive your Professional certificate.

Read more about school counselors and what they do on our school counseling career guide.

Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)

In South Carolina, Professional Licensed Addictions Counselors (LACs) are licensed by the South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors, and Psycho-Educational Specialists (the Board). LACs use relevant counseling models and interventions to provide counseling services to individuals with substance abuse issues or who are at risk of developing substance abuse issues in addition to those negatively affected by substance abuse.

LACs must have a master’s or doctoral degree with a minimum of 48 hours primarily in counseling or a related field from a program that is accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC), the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), or meets specific coursework requirements that include a 100-hour counseling practicum and 300-hour internship. To become an LAC, follow these steps:

  1. Submit an LAC Associate application along with an LAC Plan for Clinical Supervision.
  2. Take and pass either the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) exam from the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) or the Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) exam from the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) to receive your LAC Associate license.
  3. Accrue 1,120 hours of supervised experience over a minimum of two years, including 1,000 hours of direct client contact providing services to individuals presenting with addiction issues and a minimum of 120 hours of supervision by a LAC Supervisor or a Qualified Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (QLMHP), which includes LMFTs, Addiction Counselor Supervisors, psychologists, or medical doctors.
  4. Submit a LAC Associate to LAC application along with supervision logs from all supervisors and a LAC Confirmation of Clinical Supervision form to the Board.
  5. Receive your LAC license.

Optional Substance Abuse Counseling Credentials Offered in South Carolina

In addition to the credentials listed above, two South Carolina associations offer optional credentials for substance abuse counselors and for individuals who are not certified counselors but are interested in working in this field. These credentials are not required to become ADCs or AADCs and they do not qualify you to practice substance abuse counseling, but they may open up career advancement opportunities for those who are currently certified ADCs/AADCs and for those wanting to work outside the scope of counseling.

Read more about substance abuse counselors on our substance abuse counseling career guide.

Other Professional Counseling Careers

Professional counseling is a broad field with many subdisciplines. You may be interested in other types of counseling careers in addition to the major types described above, such as:

  • Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Gambling Counselor
  • Genetic Counselor
  • Youth Counselor
  • Guidance Counselor
  • Pastoral Counselor
  • Recreational Therapist

South Carolina Counseling Career and Salary Information

As of May 2021, there were over 9,100 counselors in South Carolina with most working as educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors (5,410), although data is not available for the “all other counselors” category.1-5 Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors account for 2,440 positions followed by rehabilitation counselors (1,040) and marriage and family therapists (210).1,2,4 Average annual counselor salaries range from $31,020 for “all other” counselors to $56,480 for marriage and family therapists.2,5

Job prospects for professional counselors in South Carolina are positive with many projections above national averages.6 Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are projected to experience the fastest reported growth through 2030 at 23.4% compared to 22.9% nationally.6 Educational, guidance, school, and vocational counselor positions are projected to see the biggest increase in number this time period (710), followed by substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors (300), and rehabilitation counselors (120).6

OccupationNumber Employed1-5Average Annual Salary1-5
Counselors, All OtherN.Av.$31,020
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors5,410$54,550
Marriage and Family Therapists210$56,480
Rehabilitation Counselors1,040$34,640
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors2,440$44,250

Counseling Associations in South Carolina

Frequently Asked Questions

What coursework should I take to become a counselor in South Carolina?

Most professional counseling licenses in South Carolina set coursework requirements for graduate-level study. For the LPC license, you must complete at least 60 credits in total with a minimum of three credits in ten specified areas: human growth and development; social and cultural foundations; helping relationships; groups; lifestyle and career development; appraisal; research and evaluation; professional orientation; psychopathology; and diagnostics of psychopathology. Detailed descriptions of each required area can be found on the Board website.

Can I diagnose and treat mental health disorders as an LPC in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the scope of practice for LPCs is determined by the individual’s supervised practicum experience and education. While all LPC applicants must complete a 150-hour practicum as part of the graduate degree, those who wish to diagnose and treat mental health disorders must also complete at least 600 hours of supervised clinical internship to develop competency in this area.

How can I find a supervisor for my clinical experience in South Carolina?

Supervised clinical experience is an important part of the licensure process. Supervisors must be licensed in South Carolina for the work experience hours to be counted by the Board, so it is important to ensure your supervisor is properly approved. The Board provides lists online of approved LPC and LMFT supervisors. If you have a proposed supervisor in mind, but he or she is not already approved by the Board, they can submit an application if they meet Board requirements.

Are there counseling careers without a degree in South Carolina?

All of the major types of counseling careers listed in this guide require at least a bachelor’s degree for licensure. ADCs require a bachelor’s degree in a human service field, while AADCs, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and school counselors all require a master’s or doctoral degree in a related field. Each licensure pathway also has its own specific coursework requirements.

How many annual openings will there be for counselors in South Carolina?

Projections suggest the average annual openings for counselors in South Carolina depend on the area of practice. Educational, guidance, school, and vocational counselors are projected to have the greatest number of average annual openings through 2030 (590).6 This is more than all other reported areas combined. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are projected to have 210 average openings per year, followed by rehabilitation counselors (100).6

References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211018.htm
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021 Marriage and Family Therapists: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211013.htm
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021 Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211012.htm
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021 Rehabilitation Counselors: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211015.htm
5. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021 Counselors, All Other: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211019.htm
6. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm