How to Become a Licensed Counselor (LPC) in Alabama for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

The Alabama Department of Mental Health (n.d.) serves over 200,000 Alabama residents with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities. With a population requiring support for individuals, couples, families, and groups facing various personal, social, or psychological challenges, being an LPC in Alabama can help address this pressing need.

For those considering a career in counseling, a common question arises: “What can you do with a degree in counseling?" The answer is multifaceted. A counseling degree equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives. It opens doors to various professional opportunities, including clinical counseling, school counseling, marriage and family therapy, and addiction counseling. As a counselor in Alabama, one can serve as a powerful catalyst for personal growth, fostering self-awareness and enabling positive transformations in diverse demographics.

In this guide, our team at Research.com gathered data about the best counseling degree programs, the current job market, and how to become an LPC in Alabama to ensure a robust foundation for a fulfilling career in the field.

How to Become a Licensed Counselor (LPC) in Alabama Table of Contents

Overview of the LPC Industry in Alabama
Educational Requirements for LPCs in Alabama
Alabama Licensure Application and Renewal Process
List of Top Counseling Programs in Alabama for 2025
What are the essential soft skills needed to thrive as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama?
How do LPC compensation packages compare with roles in addiction recovery in Alabama?
What resources are available to help LPCs in Alabama serve underserved populations?
What is the child counselor salary outlook in Alabama?
What common challenges do LPC candidates face during the licensure and education process in Alabama?
How can LPCs integrate social work approaches to enhance client outcomes in Alabama?
What are the career growth opportunities for LPCs in Alabama?
How are telehealth services and digital tools impacting LPC practice in Alabama?
What legal and ethical responsibilities must LPCs adhere to in Alabama?
How can LPCs stay updated with licensure regulations and compliance in Alabama?
What additional resources can aspiring LPCs utilize to launch their careers in Alabama?
How can LPCs effectively address substance abuse challenges in Alabama?
What distinguishes an LPC from a psychologist in Alabama?
How can LPCs integrate behavior analysis into their practice in Alabama?
What are the benefits of pursuing a career as a school counselor for LPCs?

Overview of the LPC Industry in Alabama

The LPC industry in Alabama is dynamic and plays a critical role in addressing the mental health needs of the state’s population. This role becomes increasingly significant when considering the alarming statistics about mental health in Alabama. In February 2021, 43% of adults in the state reported symptoms of anxiety or depression, highlighting the demand for mental health services (NAMI, 2021). Moreover, the suicide mortality rate is almost four times higher for males than females, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and intervention (Alabama Public Health, 2023). In 2020, 823 lives were lost due to suicide and it was also reported that 165,000 adults had thoughts of suicide in the same year (NAMI, 2021).

These distressing numbers are compounded by the fact that 23.2% of these adults could not access the counseling or therapy they needed, underscoring the need for more LPCs and mental health professionals in Alabama. Currently, 214,000 adults in the state face serious mental illnesses, while a significant portion of the population, approximately 2,927,845 people, resides in areas lacking sufficient mental health professionals (NAMI, 2021).

However, the field of LPC in Alabama offers hope and a solution to these challenges. With a counseling degree, individuals can become equipped to address various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and more. There is a growing demand for different counseling jobs, with projections indicating a 4% growth rate in LPC employment by 2030 and an anticipated 30 annual job openings between 2020 and 2030 (O*NET OnLine, n.d.).

In terms of salary, the mean annual salary varies depending on the specific counseling role. Professions such as Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, Rehabilitation Counselors, and Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors earn an average annual wage of $47,490, $48,710, and $56,510, respectively (US BLS, 2022). This data reflects the rewarding and promising nature being an LPC in Alabama, where counselors can impact lives while positively enjoying a fulfilling career.

Counselor Specialization

Mean Hourly Salary

Mean Annual Salary

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors

$27.17

$56,510

Rehabilitation Counselors

$23.42

$48,710

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

$22.83

$47,490

Educational Requirements for LPCs in Alabama

To become a counselor in Alabama, one must understand the educational requirements. These requirements often include having a bachelor’s degree in counseling or a similar field, such as the cheapest psychology degree, a prerequisite for admission into counseling graduate programs within the state. Here are the additional requirements involved in achieving the goal of becoming an Alabama counselor.

Obtain a Graduate Degree in Counseling

Starting a career as an LPC in Alabama requires a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution in mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, rehabilitation counseling, substance abuse counseling, or school counseling. The chosen degree program should hold accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Aspiring Alabama counselors can also proactively manage the financial aspect of their education with the assistance of the HRSA Loan Repayment Program. This program offers valuable support in navigating the financial challenges of pursuing a counseling career.

Apply as an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) and Acquire Supervised Hours

Part of the steps to becoming a counselor requires individuals to apply and submit the ALC Initial License Application, official graduate coursework transcripts, and a Proposed Plan of Supervision (PPoS) to the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC). Furthermore, the supervision process for an ALC under the guidance of a Supervising Counselor (SC) mandates a minimum of 100 total hours annually. Among these hours, a minimum of 50 should involve “direct" one-to-one, in-person supervision, wherein the supervising counselor and ALC must physically coexist in the same location except if granted through the approval of the PPoS.

Alabama Licensure Application and Renewal Process

In addition to meeting the educational and experiential prerequisites mentioned above, individuals aspiring to practice in the state must familiarize themselves with the Alabama LPC requirements and renewal process. Once licensed, LPCs can become members of the Alabama Counseling Association, enabling them to collaborate with fellow professionals.

Apply and Pass the NCE

A passing score on the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) is a requirement for LPC licensure. The NCE is a 200-question multiple-choice examination administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. It assesses knowledge, skills, and abilities in effective counseling services. Achieving a passing score on the NCE is crucial in ensuring that licensed professional counselors are well-equipped to provide high-quality counseling services to clients.

LPC in Alabama License Renewal

LPC in Alabama licenses require biennial renewal, with the renewal deadline falling on July 31 of the applicable renewal year. Conversely, ALCs are obliged to renew their licenses annually for a fee of $150. Note that allowing a license to lapse for over six years will require the LPC to undergo the reapplication process. The renewal procedure for LPCs entails submitting the requisite fees, which amount to $300, completing an application, and furnishing evidence of fulfilling all mandatory continuing education clock hours and experience requirements (Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling, n.d.).

Application Type

Fee

Application

$200

Licensed Professional Counselor

$300

Associate Licensed Counselor

$150

Licensed Professional Counselor Renewal

$300

Associate Licensed Counselor Renewal

$150

LPC in Alabama Continuing Education

Applicants must fulfill specific continuing education requirements when seeking an LPC in Alabama license. These continuing education hours require a minimum of two (2) CE clock hours to be dedicated to ethical considerations within counseling practice, supervision, assessment, or research. In scenarios where applicants are only short of one (1) or two (2) CE hours, these must be explicitly focused on ethics, emphasizing the significance of ethical competence in professional counseling.

For Counselors with License from Other States

The Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC) allows counselors with licenses from other U.S. states, territories, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico to attain Alabama LPC reciprocity, provided their current licensure standards closely align with ABEC’s requirements. In cases where there are discrepancies between the existing licensure requirements and ABEC’s standards, ABEC may offer a provisional license to the applicant, with the option of renewing it for an additional year. This provision ensures that counselors from other jurisdictions have a pathway to obtain licensure in Alabama while maintaining professional standards and competence.

List of Top Counseling Programs in Alabama for 2025

LPC aspirants in Alabama have many options for their counseling education journey. Our team of researchers comprehensively evaluated counseling programs across the state, considering factors such as affordability, accreditation, curriculum quality, and faculty experience. This list serves as a valuable resource for a prospective LPC in Alabama, assisting in identifying the ideal program that aligns with individual needs and goals.

1. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama provides a Master of Arts (MA) program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program features a distinguished faculty renowned for their expertise and dedication, offering students the opportunity to learn from these seasoned professionals who bring extensive real-world experience and knowledge to their classroom instruction. This program also includes coursework and practical training in specialized fields such as Couple and Family Counseling, Addictions Counseling, Play Therapy, and working with diverse populations. Moreover, students must fulfill two supervised internship requirements, one within a community setting and another within a school environment.

Program Length: Three years
Total Cost of Program: $33,452 to $55,746
Required Credits to Graduate: 60
Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

2. University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama offers a School Counseling MA Ed program. This program covers various subjects, including Human Development, Counseling Theories and Practice, Assessment and Diagnosis, Psychopathology, and Research Methods. Moreover, students can expect faculty members to bring their practical insights and academic knowledge to the classroom, ensuring students receive a high-quality education. Furthermore, students can expect a well-rounded education with a practicum and two internships as part of its comprehensive curriculum.

Program Length: Two to three years
Cost-per-Credit: $429
Required Credits to Graduate: 48 to 51
Accreditation: CACREP

3. Alabama State University

Alabama State University offers an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program. Students can expect an expert faculty, ensuring students receive top-notch instruction and mentorship. The curriculum includes Introduction to Counseling, Counseling Diverse Populations, Theories and Techniques of Individual Counseling, Psychological Testing, and Introduction to Group Counseling. Furthermore, the program entails a practicum and two internships at local counseling centers and community agencies.

Program Length: Three years
Cost-per-Credit: $343 to $686
Required Credits to Graduate: 60
Accreditation: CACREP

4. University of Alabama at Birmingham

University of Alabama at Birmingham has an MA in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling program. The comprehensive curriculum encompasses coursework, supervised field experiences, and counseling internships. Furthermore, the program offers students an enriching educational experience with a dedicated and accomplished faculty. The faculty members bring knowledge and practical expertise to the program, ensuring students receive high-quality instruction and mentorship throughout their academic journey. Within this program, students in this field participate in courses that cover diverse topics such as Lifespan Human Development, Research and Program Evaluation in Counseling, Group Counseling Process and Procedures, Intersections of Family and Community Systems, and Counseling Children and Adolescents.

Program Length: Three years
Cost-per-Credit: $429
Required Credits to Graduate: 51
Accreditation: CACREP

5. Auburn University

Auburn University offers an MA Ed program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program. The curriculum features specialized coursework in counseling children and adolescents, substance use disorders, and crisis counseling. Moreover, the faculty provides mentorship, guidance, and supervision during practicum and internship placements, ensuring students receive valuable hands-on experience in diverse settings. To provide students with a broad range of practical experiences, the program offers diverse practicum and internship placements within a 90-mile radius of Auburn, Alabama.

Program Length: Two years
Cost-per-Credit: $577
Required Credits to Graduate: 60
Accreditation: CACREP

Become an LPC in Alabama for the Betterment of the Community

Alabama offers accredited counseling programs with diverse specializations, providing aspiring LPCs with a strong foundation for their career journey. Pursuing a career as an LPC in Alabama is not only rewarding in terms of personal satisfaction but also financially promising due to the state’s competitive pay rates and strong demand for counseling professionals. Furthermore, the availability of license reciprocity for counselors licensed in other states makes it easier for professionals to bring their expertise to Alabama and effectively utilize their skills in diverse counseling settings.

Whether individuals choose a path in counseling in Alabama or pursue majors related to psychology, the state provides a fulfilling career environment that benefits the individual and contributes to the betterment of individuals and communities. The combination of comprehensive education, diverse specialization options, favorable career prospects, and the chance to make a difference in people’s lives makes Alabama an attractive destination for those looking to establish themselves as LPCs.

What are the essential soft skills needed to thrive as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama?

While completing educational and licensure requirements is crucial for becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Alabama, developing key soft skills is equally important for building a successful career in counseling. These skills help counselors create meaningful connections with clients, navigate difficult conversations, and provide effective guidance. Here are some of the essential soft skills that can greatly enhance an LPC's effectiveness:

Empathy and Compassion: A deep sense of empathy allows counselors to understand and connect with their clients' emotional experiences. Compassion fosters a non-judgmental environment where clients feel safe to express their feelings.
Active Listening: LPCs must be able to listen attentively to their clients, not only to hear what is being said but also to understand underlying emotions and concerns. Active listening builds trust and allows for more accurate assessments.
Communication Skills: The ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and provide concise feedback is essential for effective counseling. This includes both verbal communication and the ability to read and respond to nonverbal cues.
Cultural Sensitivity: With diverse populations in Alabama, counselors must be culturally aware and sensitive to different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences. This helps in delivering more personalized and relevant care.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Counselors often help clients navigate complex life situations. Strong problem-solving skills enable LPCs to assist clients in identifying solutions and coping strategies for their personal and emotional challenges.
Emotional Resilience: The counseling profession can be emotionally demanding. Developing emotional resilience helps counselors manage stress, maintain their own well-being, and avoid burnout.
Ethical Judgment: Maintaining ethical standards is a critical part of being a licensed counselor. Ethical judgment ensures that decisions regarding client care, confidentiality, and professional behavior are always in the best interest of the client.

How do LPC compensation packages compare with roles in addiction recovery in Alabama?

Recent market trends indicate that LPC compensation in Alabama is influenced by factors such as specialization, geographic location, and level of clinical experience. Counselors who focus on substance abuse treatment and addiction counseling often benefit from salary structures designed to reflect the complexities of these specialized roles. In many cases, professionals with additional certifications or advanced training in addiction-related services command higher wages and expanded benefits. For a more detailed comparison and insights into compensation benchmarks, refer to our article on careers in addiction recovery salary. This data can help professionals make informed decisions by understanding how targeted expertise may enhance income potential in the evolving mental health landscape.

What resources are available to help LPCs in Alabama serve underserved populations?

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in Alabama play a vital role in addressing mental health challenges, particularly among underserved populations such as rural residents, low-income families, and minority communities. These groups often face barriers to mental health services, including geographic isolation, financial constraints, and cultural stigmas. To bridge these gaps, LPCs can leverage a variety of resources and programs.

Alabama Rural Health Association (ARHA): The ARHA provides support to healthcare professionals working in rural areas, including mental health practitioners. LPCs can access training, networking opportunities, and advocacy tools aimed at improving mental health access in underserved regions.
Telehealth Initiatives: Alabama has expanded telehealth services to ensure that residents in remote areas can access mental health care. LPCs can utilize platforms like the Alabama Telehealth Network to offer virtual counseling sessions, reducing barriers such as travel and scheduling conflicts.
Sliding Scale Fee Programs: Many community mental health centers in Alabama offer sliding scale payment options for clients who cannot afford traditional counseling fees. LPCs can partner with these centers or adopt similar practices in their private practice to increase accessibility.
Cultural Competency Training: To effectively serve diverse populations, LPCs can attend workshops and seminars on cultural sensitivity offered by organizations like the Alabama Counseling Association. These trainings help counselors provide inclusive care tailored to the unique needs of various cultural and socioeconomic groups.

In Alabama, where nearly 3 million residents live in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals, LPCs have the opportunity to make a significant difference. By utilizing available resources and adopting innovative approaches, counselors can ensure that everyone—regardless of location or income—has access to high-quality mental health care.

For those looking to specialize further in serving specific populations, consider exploring the specialized pathway of how to become a grief counselor. Doing so helps enables you to help individuals and communities manage the different stages of grief.

What is the child counselor salary outlook in Alabama?

Child counseling roles require specialized expertise in addressing developmental and behavioral challenges, and recent market trends in Alabama indicate an upward shift in compensation as demand grows. Advanced training and certifications significantly enhance salary prospects, particularly in settings such as community centers and schools. Detailed benchmarks, including regional comparisons and industry standards, are available for review at child counselor salary. This focused analysis helps practitioners understand the potential income trajectory and competitive positioning within the broader counseling profession.

What common challenges do LPC candidates face during the licensure and education process in Alabama?

LPC candidates in Alabama often encounter challenges such as meeting precise academic prerequisites, coordinating timely submission of documentation, and accumulating the required supervised clinical hours without interruptions. Navigating complex licensure requirements demands a thorough understanding of each step and careful attention to deadlines to avoid delays that may affect career progression. Additionally, selecting a program with strong accreditation and stellar outcomes is critical; prospective students should review institutions like good colleges for psychology in Alabama to ensure their chosen program meets national and state standards.

How can LPCs integrate social work approaches to enhance client outcomes in Alabama?

LPCs may further elevate client care by incorporating interdisciplinary strategies rooted in social work. Collaborating with community agencies and leveraging social work methodologies can help address socioeconomic barriers and ensure comprehensive support tailored to individual client needs. By integrating case management, advocacy, and community outreach into their practice, counselors can bridge service gaps and enhance holistic well-being. For professionals interested in expanding their multidisciplinary expertise, exploring resources on how to become a social worker in Alabama offers valuable insights and actionable guidance.

What are the career growth opportunities for LPCs in Alabama?

Aspiring Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in Alabama may consider diversifying their expertise to include careers such as marriage and family therapy. This specialization not only broadens the scope of client demographics but also addresses critical relational and systemic dynamics affecting Alabama families. By understanding the process of how to become a marriage and family therapist in Alabama, LPCs can expand their professional footprint while deepening their impact within communities.

Additionally, LPCs interested in career growth should explore leadership roles within mental health organizations or mentorship opportunities to nurture the next generation of counselors. Taking on supervisory positions, developing community-based programs, or even transitioning into academic roles to train future counselors can be rewarding avenues. Achieving advanced certifications or pursuing doctoral programs may also present benefits for those aiming to specialize further or provide training at an institutional level.

By strategically leveraging their foundational skills while exploring complementary career paths or advanced mentorship roles, LPCs in Alabama can continually evolve in their careers and contribute significantly to the state’s mental health landscape.

How are telehealth services and digital tools impacting LPC practice in Alabama?

Telehealth has emerged as a strategic asset in expanding client access and ensuring continuity of care, particularly in underserved areas. LPCs are employing secure virtual platforms, digital assessment methods, and mobile applications to bolster therapeutic engagement while adhering to state regulatory standards. These digital tools streamline appointment scheduling, enhance crisis intervention capabilities, and facilitate ongoing professional development. For those seeking to expedite their professional journey, consider reviewing the fastest way to become a counselor in Alabama.

What legal and ethical responsibilities must LPCs adhere to in Alabama?

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in Alabama must navigate a comprehensive framework of legal and ethical guidelines to protect client welfare and maintain professional integrity. These responsibilities include strict adherence to client confidentiality provisions, mandatory reporting requirements, and clear boundaries regarding scope of practice. Regular completion of ethics-focused continuing education is essential to ensure up-to-date compliance with HIPAA standards and state laws. In supervisory relationships, integrating systematic ethical evaluations further supports accountability and minimizes potential conflicts of interest. For insights tailored to educational settings, consider exploring guidance on becoming a school counselor in Alabama.

How can LPCs stay updated with licensure regulations and compliance in Alabama?

LPCs are encouraged to regularly review official communications from state regulatory bodies to ensure adherence to evolving standards. Monitoring updates from the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling—along with insights shared at professional conferences and accredited seminars—provides a clear understanding of licensure processes and ethical mandates. Detailed guidelines, including Alabama LPC license requirements, serve as a comprehensive resource to clarify procedural changes, renewal criteria, and compliance expectations.

What additional resources can aspiring LPCs utilize to launch their careers in Alabama?

To further support their career development, aspiring LPCs in Alabama can explore various resources that provide guidance on the licensure process, professional development, and networking opportunities. For those seeking detailed information on how to become a licensed mental health counselor in Alabama, specialized platforms offer comprehensive overviews of the educational requirements, licensure application process, and continuing education needs. Additionally, professional associations and local mental health organizations often host workshops, conferences, and online forums where LPCs can share their experiences, learn about best practices, and stay updated on the latest developments in the field. By leveraging these resources, aspiring LPCs can navigate the career path more effectively, enhance their skills, and contribute meaningfully to the mental health landscape in Alabama.

How can LPCs effectively address substance abuse challenges in Alabama?

Licensed Professional Counselors in Alabama frequently encounter substance abuse cases that require specialized knowledge and targeted intervention strategies. Addressing these challenges effectively involves adopting evidence-based practices, pursuing focused training, and engaging in community outreach initiatives. Counselors can benefit from integrating multidisciplinary treatment approaches, participating in specialized workshops, and collaborating with addiction treatment centers to enhance their skill set. For those interested in further specialization, consider exploring pathways such as how to become a substance abuse counselor in Alabama to build additional expertise in this critical area.

What distinguishes an LPC from a psychologist in Alabama?

Professionals evaluating career paths in mental health should understand that Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) focus on delivering client-centered counseling services and intervention strategies, while psychologists undertake comprehensive clinical assessments and research-driven approaches. LPCs typically navigate practical treatment applications with a strong emphasis on counseling techniques, whereas psychologists complete additional training that emphasizes behavioral science, diagnostic evaluations, and advanced therapy methods. For detailed licensure insights and to explore alternative pathways, review how to become a psychologist in Alabama.

How can LPCs integrate behavior analysis into their practice in Alabama?

LPCs aiming to enhance their therapeutic approach may benefit from incorporating behavior analysis into daily practice. By merging counseling strategies with behavior analytic principles, practitioners can obtain a more objective framework for assessing client behaviors and tailoring interventions. This approach facilitates data-driven decision-making while improving the precision of clinical outcomes. Professionals interested in diversifying their expertise should consider certification pathways and targeted training programs, such as how to become a behavior analyst in Alabama, to effectively integrate behavior analysis into their practice.

What are the benefits of pursuing a career as a school counselor for LPCs?

For Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in Alabama, transitioning to a school counselor role can provide a unique and fulfilling career path. By completing specialized training, such as the best online school counseling programs, LPCs can significantly enhance their skill set and expand their professional opportunities. Here are some key benefits of pursuing a career as a school counselor:

Make a Lasting Impact on Student Lives: School counselors have the opportunity to make a profound impact on the emotional, social, and academic development of students. As a school counselor, you can help guide young people through difficult situations, such as bullying, academic pressures, or personal challenges, ensuring they develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Diverse Career Opportunities: The demand for school counselors continues to grow as schools recognize the importance of addressing students' mental health and emotional well-being. By completing an online school counseling program, LPCs can access a wider range of career opportunities within educational institutions.
Work-Life Balance and Flexibility: A career in school counseling often provides a better work-life balance compared to other mental health positions. With a school-based role, you typically work during regular school hours and enjoy holidays and summers off, which allows for more time to spend with family, travel, or pursue personal interests.
Specialized Training and Skill Development: Enrolling in the best online school counseling programs helps LPCs gain specialized knowledge in areas such as student development, educational psychology, and crisis intervention. These programs equip LPCs with the necessary skills to work with children and adolescents effectively.

Key Insights

Growing Need for Mental Health Professionals: Alabama has a significant demand for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) due to high rates of mental health issues and a shortage of mental health professionals.
Educational Pathways: Aspiring LPCs in Alabama need to complete a graduate degree in counseling from a regionally accredited institution, with programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Licensure Requirements: The licensure process includes obtaining a graduate degree, applying as an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC), acquiring supervised hours, passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE), and fulfilling continuing education requirements for license renewal.
Diverse Career Opportunities: A counseling degree opens various professional avenues such as clinical counseling, school counseling, marriage and family therapy, and addiction counseling.
Competitive Salaries: LPCs in Alabama enjoy competitive salaries, with mean annual wages varying across specializations like Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors ($47,490), Rehabilitation Counselors ($48,710), and Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors ($56,510).
Top Educational Programs: Alabama offers several top-tier counseling programs at institutions like the University of Alabama, University of North Alabama, Alabama State University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Auburn University.

FAQ

What educational requirements must I meet to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Alabama?

To become an LPC in Alabama, you must obtain a graduate degree in counseling from a regionally accredited institution. The program should be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Additionally, you must complete supervised hours as an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) and pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE).

How do I apply for an LPC license in Alabama?

First, earn a graduate degree in counseling. Then, apply as an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) by submitting the ALC Initial License Application, official graduate coursework transcripts, and a Proposed Plan of Supervision (PPoS) to the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC). After completing the required supervised hours, pass the NCE and submit the necessary documentation to ABEC to apply for LPC licensure.

What is the process for renewing an LPC license in Alabama?

LPC licenses in Alabama must be renewed biennially, with the renewal deadline on July 31 of the applicable renewal year. The renewal process involves submitting the renewal fee of $300, completing an application, and providing evidence of fulfilling continuing education requirements. Continuing education must include a minimum of two CE clock hours dedicated to ethical considerations within counseling practice.

Can counselors licensed in other states practice in Alabama?

Yes, the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC) allows for licensure reciprocity for counselors licensed in other U.S. states, territories, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico, provided their current licensure standards align with ABEC’s requirements. If there are discrepancies, ABEC may offer a provisional license to the applicant, which can be renewed for an additional year.

What are some top counseling programs in Alabama?

Top counseling programs in Alabama include the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Alabama, the School Counseling MA Ed program at the University of North Alabama, the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Alabama State University, the MA in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the MA Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Auburn University. These programs are known for their comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and accreditation by CACREP.