What is the difference between a licensed counselor and a certified counselor?

Asked by: Ms. Hulda Ortiz  |  Last update: June 23, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (41 votes)

Certification is a voluntary credential a counselor obtains to show they've met national standards set forth by the counseling profession. Licensure is issued by the state of practice as permission to practice counseling and to identify oneself as a licensed counselor.

What are the three types of counselors?

8 types of counselors
  • Guidance counselor. Guidance counselors typically work in schools and provide support to students throughout the school year. ...
  • Mental health counselor. ...
  • Adoption counselor. ...
  • Speech therapist. ...
  • Trauma counselor. ...
  • Marriage counselor. ...
  • Rehabilitation counselor. ...
  • Admissions counselor.

Who makes more money, LPC or LCSW?

The BLS reports that LPCs and behavioral health counselors make an average of $49,710 yearly. The median salary for LCSWs and other social workers is $55,350.

Can a licensed professional counselor diagnose?

Although it does vary by state, in most situations, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or equivalent (e.g., therapist) can give a mental health diagnosis.

Is being a licensed professional counselor worth it?

Licensed professional counseling is incredibly rewarding.

Perhaps counseling transformed your life for the better and you want to pay it forward. Or maybe you have worked for years in a less-than-satisfying job and you want to shift careers.

MFT Q&A! | Marriage & Family Therapy

45 related questions found

What is the difference between a license and a certification counselor?

Certification is a voluntary credential a counselor obtains to show they've met national standards set forth by the counseling profession. Licensure is issued by the state of practice as permission to practice counseling and to identify oneself as a licensed counselor.

Is a licensed counselor the same as a therapist?

The terms counselor and therapist are often used interchangeably, and while some counselors are therapists, the fields are not the same. A lot of the nuance depends on how the term is being used and what training a counselor has.

Can a licensed mental health counselor prescribe medication?

Although LMHCs cannot prescribe medication, they may be able to collaborate with other medical professionals to support their clients. Licensure for LMHC allows these professionals to provide individual and group counseling as well as help provide diagnoses to clients, depending on the state.

Which conditions are commonly treated by a licensed professional counselor?

Specific conditions or life events that counselors can help someone cope with include:
  • grief or loss.
  • phobias.
  • addiction.
  • anger management.
  • bereavement.
  • eating disorders.
  • relationship and family difficulties.
  • obsessive-compulsive disorder.

What is the difference between a LCSW and a LPC?

LCSWs often work in settings like hospitals, schools, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, where they may provide counseling, case management, crisis intervention, and advocacy. LPCs often work in private practice, mental health centers, substance abuse treatment centers, schools, and hospitals.

What is the highest paying type of counselor?

The 5 Highest Paying Careers in Counseling
  1. School Counselor. If you're interested in cultivating young minds and driving students toward their full potential, school counseling is an excellent fit for you. ...
  2. Career Counselor. ...
  3. Marriage and Family Therapy Counselor. ...
  4. Rehabilitation Counselor. ...
  5. Substance Use Disorder Counselors.

Who gets paid more, counselors or social workers?

Key things you should know about social work and counseling

According to 2023 data, social workers, in general, have a median annual salary of $58,380. Mental health, behavioral disorder, and substance abuse counselors earn a median annual salary of $53,710.

Can you become an LPC with a master's in social work?

A: Yes, an MSW can become an LPC and vice versa, but additional coursework and supervised clinical experience may be required to meet the licensure requirements for the new role.

What kind of counseling can I do without a license?

As an unlicensed counselor, you must have some training to provide mental health therapy, but you do not have a license. In this career, you may offer counseling services in a specific area, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family and relationship therapy.

What is the most popular type of counseling?

Four of the Most Common Types of Counseling
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT is based around the idea that we can make permanent changes in our behavior by changing our negative patterns of thinking. ...
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. ...
  • Family Therapy. ...
  • Group Therapy.

Should my therapist have a PhD?

Therapists typically specialize in a specific field, such as marriage and family therapy. Therapists hold at least a master's degree, while some choose to obtain a doctorate. If a therapist chooses to advertise their practice as “psychotherapy,” then they must be licensed in the state in which they intend to practice.

What is the most curable mental disorder?

Anxiety disorder is the most treatable of all mental illnesses. Anxiety disorder produces unrealistic fears, excessive worry, flashbacks from past trauma leading to easy startling, changes in sleep patterns, intense tension and ritualistic behavior.

Which of the following is the most common title for licensed counselors?

Within the United States, several different titles are used to identify professional counselors. The following are the most common: licensed professional counselor (LPC) licensed mental health counselor (LMHC)

Why become a licensed professional counselor?

Career Outlook

This statistic underscores the need for mental health professionals, and the value in becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for counselors is expected to grow 18% between 2022 and 2032, resulting in the creation of more than 71,000 jobs.

Is a licensed mental health counselor the same as a therapist?

Key Takeaways. Counseling and therapy are two terms sometimes used interchangeably because they're very similar. The greatest difference between the two is the training and license of the provider. Don't worry too much about choosing counseling or therapy.

Can a licensed mental health counselor diagnose?

Diagnosis: Yes. LPCs and LMHCs are qualified to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.

Can lpc prescribe Adderall?

A psychologist understands how the mind works, but is not an M.D. and cannot prescribe medications. If the psychologist feels that ADHD medications are needed, they will have to refer the patient to either a medical doctor or a psychiatrist. Advantages: Trained in diagnosis.

What does LCSW mean in counseling?

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) hold a master's degree in social work and are licensed to provide diagnoses and counseling services to individuals suffering from mental, behavioral, and other emotional issues.

Are licensed counselors doctors?

An LCSW is a Licensed Counselor Social Worker. They provide psychotherapy and crisis intervention to individuals and groups. They assess and treat emotional and behavioral problems. LCSW's are not doctors and cannot prescribe medication.

How to become a counselor without a degree?

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a Counselor Without a Degree
  1. Identify Your Counseling Path: ...
  2. Research State Licensure Requirements: ...
  3. Gain Real-world Experience: ...
  4. Obtain Counseling Certifications: ...
  5. Optimize Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile: ...
  6. Apply to Entry-level Counseling Positions: