Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) are mental health professionals who are trained to provide individual and group therapy and counseling. Although the term “LPC” is most commonly associated with the United States, other countries, such as Canada, use the term “counselor” to describe similar professionals. These mental health professionals can provide a variety of therapy services to a variety of people, but they cannot typically prescribe medication. In most cases, any medications required an LPC’s clients must be prescribed a medical doctor or nurse practitioner. Many jurisdictions allow LPCs to run private practices, while others restrict this type of activity in some way.
LPCs are one of the few types of professionals allowed to provide psychotherapy, counseling, and other mental health services in the United States. Individual states grant them licenses, though the requirements are generally similar across the board. A master’s degree in a relevant field of study is usually required before an individual can qualify to become an LPC. Although advanced degrees are common among LPCs, they are not required. Before a license is issued, they are usually required to provide a certain number of hours of counseling services while under close supervision.
A licensed professional counselor (LPC) can provide a wide range of services and work in a variety of settings. LPCs are typically trained to work with people of all ages, including children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly. They can also assist people with a variety of emotional and mental problems, such as addiction, depression, anxiety, and a variety of disorders. In many cases, they will also assist people in coming to terms with the death of a loved one or other traumatic events.
Licensed professional counselors have a variety of specialties from which to choose, each of which has an impact on what they do on a daily basis. Some LPCs work in settings like hospitals, prisons, and schools, each of which has its own set of needs. An LPC may act as a career development counselor or assist students with emotional and mental issues in high school and university settings. An LPC can usually go into private practice, though some jurisdictions restrict this. Some states have two similar professional credentials, such as LPC and licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), with one allowing private practice while the other does not.