How to Become a Licensed Therapist (LPC) in Toledo, OH for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Pursuing a career as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Toledo, Ohio, is a meaningful and impactful goal—but the path to licensure can be confusing without the right guidance. Many aspiring counselors struggle to understand Ohio’s specific requirements, including the necessary education, supervised clinical experience, and licensing exams. On top of that, navigating the application process through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board can feel overwhelming, especially without a clear plan.

This guide is designed to simplify the journey and help you move forward with confidence. Whether you're just beginning your graduate studies or you're preparing to complete your supervision hours, this resource provides a step-by-step breakdown of what it takes to become an LPC in Toledo.

Key Things to Know About Becoming an LPC in Toledo

• Toledo offers a strong demand for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) due to its growing healthcare sector and supportive community mental health programs.
• The average salary for LPCs in Toledo is approximately $50,000 to $60,000 annually, reflecting competitive pay within Ohio's counseling field.
• Noteworthy employers include ProMedica Health System, Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center, and the University of Toledo Medical Center, all prominent local healthcare providers.

Table of Contents

1. What are the educational requirements to become an LPC in Toledo?
2. How do you apply for licensure as a counselor in Toledo?
3. Which schools in Toledo offer programs for aspiring LPCs?
4. Are there internship or practicum opportunities for counseling students in Toledo?
5. How much do LPCs make in Toledo?
6. What are the supervision requirements for LPCs in Toledo?
7. Can LPCs specialize in substance abuse counseling in Toledo?
8. How can I best prepare for the LPC licensing exam in Toledo?
9. Can LPCs Transition into Academic or Leadership Roles in Toledo?
10. How can LPCs advance their careers in Toledo?
11. Is Toledo a good place to work as an LPC?
12. How competitive is the job market for LPCs in Toledo?
13. Are there counseling associations in Toledo?
14. Which are the most popular employers of LPCs in Toledo?
15. Other things you should know about becoming an LPC in Toledo

What are the educational requirements to become an LPC in Toledo?

If you're aiming to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Toledo, there are some key educational steps you'll need to follow. These requirements ensure you’re prepared with the right knowledge and hands-on experience to start your counseling career. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to focus on:

• Earn at least a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related subject from an accredited school. This is the baseline to get started and covers everything from counseling theories to ethics.
• Complete supervised clinical experience hours during your graduate program. Ohio sets the general rules for these hours, and Toledo follows those state standards without adding extra requirements.
• Take coursework that covers important topics like human development, assessment and diagnosis, counseling techniques, and professional ethics to build a well-rounded skill set.
• Consider programs at nearby universities such as the University of Toledo, Ohio State University, or Kent State University, which offer strong graduate counseling programs meeting Ohio’s educational guidelines.

How do you apply for licensure as a counselor in Toledo?

It is important to know that the process follows Ohio’s statewide requirements closely, with just a few minor local details to become an LPC in Toledo. The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board handles all applications, making sure candidates meet the standards for becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

The steps to become a licensed professional counselor in Toledo are designed to ensure you’re fully prepared for the role. You’ll need to have completed a master’s degree, then gain supervised clinical experience, and finally pass an exam. Here’s a quick look at the process:

• Submit a completed application and fee to the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board
• Complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical counseling experience over at least two years
• Pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or an equivalent approved exam
• Undergo a criminal background check with fingerprinting
• Obtain board approval and receive the LPC license
• Fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain licensure

After you’ve submitted your application and documentation, including proof of your supervised experience, the board will review everything carefully. Passing the NCE or another board-approved exam is a key step to show your counseling knowledge and skills. Ohio also requires a background check with fingerprinting to make sure you’re a good fit for the profession.

Once licensed, you’ll need to keep up with continuing education requirements to maintain your LPC status in Ohio. If you’re interested in exploring other counseling paths, you might want to check out how to become a Christian counselor without a degree, which offers insights into alternative approaches to counseling careers.

Which schools in Toledo offer programs for aspiring LPCs?

If you’re looking into the best counseling programs Toledo has to offer for becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), there are a few solid graduate schools nearby that can help you get there. Each has its own approach but all aim to meet Ohio’s licensure standards.

• The University of Toledo offers a Master of Arts in Counseling that covers essential counseling theories and supervised clinical experience. This program is CACREP-accredited, which is a big plus for LPC licensure.
• Bowling Green State University also provides a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a strong focus on evidence-based practices. It includes practicum and internship opportunities designed to fit Ohio’s LPC requirements and is CACREP-accredited as well.
• Lourdes University in Sylvania, just outside Toledo, has a Master’s in Counseling with tracks for clinical mental health and school counseling. While not CACREP-accredited, it still aligns well with state licensure requirements and offers practical training.

These Toledo LPC graduate schools each offer different paths depending on what fits your goals and needs. If you’re curious about career options after completing your degree, checking out jobs with addiction counselor degree might give you some useful ideas.

Are there internship or practicum opportunities for counseling students in Toledo?

To become an LPC in Toledo, you need hands‑on experience through internships or practicums is a must. These opportunities help you build clinical skills, apply what you’ve learned, and complete the supervised hours needed for your LPC credential. Here’s a quick look at some solid places where you can gain that practical experience in Toledo:

• Toledo Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health Department – work with kids and teens through intake assessments, group and individual therapy, and treatment planning
• Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County – focus on community counseling, crisis support, and case management for diverse clients
• Community Mental Health Center of Greater Toledo – get experience in adult counseling, substance abuse treatment, and family therapy

A therapist from Toledo shared that during her internship, balancing the emotional weight of client stories with learning effective treatment strategies was challenging but rewarding. She recalls, “There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, yet seeing real progress in clients made every tough day worth it.” This hands‑on time, she said, truly shaped her confidence and skills as a counselor starting out in Toledo’s mental health community.

How much do LPCs make in Toledo?

Thinking about becoming a licensed professional counselor in Toledo? It’s a rewarding career with good earning potential, but salaries can vary quite a bit depending on where you work and how much experience you have. Understanding the average LPC income Toledo Ohio can help you plan your career path more effectively.

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in Toledo typically earn between $45,000 and $65,000 annually. Entry-level LPCs usually start near the lower end of this range, while those with more experience or specialized skills can earn closer to the top. Compared to other mental health roles in the area, like social workers or psychological assistants, LPCs often make a bit more due to their advanced licensure and broader scope of practice.

Where you work plays a big role in your salary. LPCs in private practices or specialized clinics tend to earn higher pay than those working for public agencies or non-profits. For example, counselors employed in hospitals or private healthcare facilities often get better pay and additional benefits due to the demand for their expertise. On the flip side, LPCs in community mental health centers might earn less but gain valuable experience from diverse caseloads. If you’re curious about the requirements for counseling certification by state, it’s worth checking out resources that break down the details for Ohio and beyond.

Overall, the earning potential for LPCs in Toledo is competitive in the mental health field but depends heavily on experience, employer type, and your area of specialization.

What are the supervision requirements for LPCs in Toledo?

You need to complete supervised professional hours as part of the process to become an LPC in Toledo. These hours are a big deal because they help you build real-world skills under expert guidance. Let’s break down what that supervision looks like.

In Toledo, the board requires you to log a total of 3,000 hours of supervised counseling after finishing your graduate degree. You have to spread these hours over at least two years, which gives you enough time to get hands-on experience in different clinical settings. The idea is to make sure you’re not just clocking hours but actually learning and growing as a counselor with proper support.

You can earn these supervised hours in various places like community mental health centers, hospitals, private practices, and other certified counseling environments. However, your supervisor must be someone approved by the board—typically a licensed professional counselor or someone with equivalent credentials. Having this kind of mentorship helps you sharpen your clinical skills, ethical decision-making, and overall professional judgment.

How long it takes to finish these hours depends on your schedule—full-time work usually means about two to three years, but going part-time can stretch that timeline. Beyond just meeting requirements, these supervised hours are a key part of growing into a confident, capable therapist ready to serve Toledo’s diverse community.

Can LPCs specialize in substance abuse counseling in Toledo?

Licensed Professional Counselors in Toledo can expand their career opportunities by pursuing additional certifications in substance abuse counseling. Specialized training not only deepens clinical expertise but also caters to the growing demand for professionals who address drug-related issues. For those interested in this pathway, targeted coursework and certifications can provide a competitive edge. Explore how to become a drug counselor in Toledo for detailed guidance on transitioning to a specialized role.

How can I best prepare for the LPC licensing exam in Toledo?

Developing a strategic exam preparation plan is essential for success. Begin by identifying primary content areas, reviewing the exam format, and setting a realistic study schedule. Utilize local study groups, online practice tests, and board-provided resources to familiarize yourself with the structure and types of questions encountered during the exam. Monitoring updates from the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board can also ensure you are current with any changes that might influence your study approach.

Exploring alternative counseling pathways can offer additional insights into practical techniques and client engagement strategies. For example, reviewing guidance on how to become a marriage and family therapist in Toledo may provide complementary perspectives that enrich your overall preparation.

Can LPCs Transition into Academic or Leadership Roles in Toledo?

Leveraging clinical expertise can open diversified career pathways in Toledo. LPCs have opportunities to pursue academic positions, administrative roles, or specialized training programs that extend their impact beyond traditional counseling. For instance, some professionals may opt to merge practice with teaching at local institutions or community colleges, thereby enriching both fields. To explore a pathway into education that complements counseling, review our guide to the cheapest way to become a teacher in Toledo. This integrated approach can enhance career satisfaction and broaden professional development without compromising clinical commitments.

How can LPCs advance their careers in Toledo?

Licensed Professional Counselors looking to progress beyond initial licensure can explore advanced training, specialized certifications, and leadership mentorship opportunities available in Toledo. Engaging in targeted workshops and continuing education initiatives can help refine both clinical and administrative expertise, equipping professionals to meet evolving community needs. Additionally, integrating emerging practices such as hybrid service delivery and telehealth can bolster career growth in a competitive market. For a detailed roadmap on expanding your counseling credentials, review our guide on how to become a mental health counselor in Toledo.

Is Toledo a good place to work as an LPC?

The city of Toledo has its ups and downs, shaped by local economic and healthcare factors that affect the counseling field. Here’s a quick look at what makes Toledo a good—or sometimes tricky—place to build your LPC career.

• Rising Demand for Mental Health Services: Toledo is seeing more people seeking mental health support, driven by ongoing issues like economic struggles and substance abuse, which means more job openings for LPCs.
• Financial Barriers for Clients: Since the average income in Toledo is lower than the national average, some clients might find it hard to pay for private counseling, which can limit earnings for counselors working solo.
• Strong Healthcare Network: The city has a solid setup of hospitals and community clinics that include mental health care, giving LPCs plenty of chances to work in different environments beyond private practice.
• State Licensing and Pay Challenges: Ohio’s licensing process is clear and supports ongoing learning, but reimbursement rates for counseling can be on the lower side, which might affect your overall income.

A therapist from Toledo I spoke with shared, “Starting out here meant juggling the emotional weight of some tough community issues, but the support from local clinics and the chance to really connect with clients made it worth it.” He added, “The licensing steps were straightforward, but figuring out how to balance lower pay with quality care was a learning curve.”

How competitive is the job market for LPCs in Toledo?

The job market for licensed professional counselors (LPCs) in Toledo is moderately competitive but promising. If you’re considering entering this field, it helps to know that demand is steady thanks to growing awareness around mental health and community support programs. While Toledo doesn’t have as many openings as bigger cities like Columbus or Cleveland, it still offers solid opportunities, especially in suburban and urban areas.

When looking at mental health therapist employment opportunities Toledo provides, LPCs generally have an edge. Many employers prioritize licensure for clinical roles, which means therapists without an LPC often face fewer job prospects and lower pay. The job outlook for LPCs in Toledo benefits from factors like an aging population, expanded insurance coverage for mental health, and state-backed behavioral health initiatives. These trends support a fairly stable job market for licensed professionals.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• LPCs tend to have better job security and access to specialized roles compared to non-licensed therapists.
• The community mental health programs in Toledo help maintain steady demand.
• Obtaining an LPC license can really boost your chances for professional growth in this area.

If you’re weighing your options, exploring the benefits of getting masters in counseling can give you more insight into how a counseling degree can impact your career prospects.

Are there counseling associations in Toledo?

Joining local professional groups can be a great way to grow your skills and network. as an LPC in Toledo. There are several counseling associations in Toledo that offer resources tailored to licensed professional counselors and other mental health professionals. These groups help keep you connected to the latest industry trends and support your career development.

• Ohio Counseling Association (OCA): This statewide organization serves counselors throughout Ohio, including Toledo. Members get access to continuing education, advocacy efforts, and workshops designed around Ohio’s licensure requirements. OCA is great for staying updated on legislative changes that impact LPCs and for finding specialized training opportunities.
• Toledo Psychological Association (TPA): Focused on psychologists and counseling professionals in the Toledo area, TPA hosts local networking events and professional development sessions. It’s ideal for LPCs wanting to collaborate with peers and gain insight into psychological assessment and therapy best practices.
• American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA): A national organization with strong regional ties, AMHCA supports clinical mental health counselors through advocacy, ethical guidelines, and certifications. They offer webinars and conferences that boost clinical skills relevant to counselors practicing in Ohio.

Getting involved with these Toledo counseling professional organizations can boost your career by providing educational resources, advocacy, and chances to connect with others in the field. Plus, exploring memberships in such groups can help you discover the highest paying jobs with counseling degree and understand the many paths your career could take.

Which are the most popular employers of LPCs in Toledo?

The city of Toledo has several key places that regularly hire LPCs, each offering different types of counseling roles. Here’s a quick look at some of the top employers in the area:

• ProMedica: This major healthcare provider hires LPCs mainly in their behavioral health departments. Counselors here provide therapy to individuals, families, and groups, tackling issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse, all while working closely with other health professionals to create treatment plans.
• Lucas County Mental Health & Recovery Services: LPCs in this organization often take on roles such as case managers, crisis counselors, and outpatient therapists. They focus on community mental health, doing assessments, leading counseling sessions, and helping clients connect with resources that support their recovery.
• Toledo Public Schools: Schools in Toledo employ LPCs as counselors to support students’ mental health. These professionals work directly with kids facing emotional or behavioral struggles, providing individual and group counseling, crisis help, and collaborating with teachers and families to build a positive school environment.

What LPCs in Toledo Say About Their Careers

Working as an LPC in Toledo has allowed me to deeply connect with a community that values support and healing. Graduating from the University of Toledo, I appreciate how local initiatives promote mental health awareness, which makes my role even more impactful. The chance to grow alongside my clients while witnessing real change in their lives keeps me motivated every day.- Sophie

Starting my counseling career here has been uniquely challenging and rewarding due to Toledo’s diverse population and evolving social landscape. The city’s combination of urban and natural settings creates a dynamic environment for therapeutic work, providing opportunities to incorporate outdoor therapy and community programs. Being part of a growing network of professionals at a downtown clinic has expanded my skills and professional connections.- Benjamin

As a seasoned LPC raising a family in Toledo, I value the city’s affordable living and balanced pace, which supports both my personal and professional life. Practicing in suburban Toledo clinics has enabled me to develop specialized expertise in trauma counseling, with strong support from local professional groups. The stability of my career here gives me confidence in planning for the future while continuing to learn and contribute to the field. - Erin

Other things you should know about becoming an LPC in Toledo

Can an LPC Associate practice independently in Toledo?

No, an LPC Associate in Toledo cannot practice independently. Before gaining full licensure, they must work under the supervision of a fully licensed professional. This ensures they get the guidance and oversight needed while building experience.

In Ohio, where Toledo is located, LPCs must meet specific supervision and post-degree experience requirements before practicing solo. So, until you’re fully licensed, independent practice isn’t allowed, keeping client care safe and professional.

What degrees qualify for an LPC position in Toledo?

If you're aiming to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Toledo, picking the right undergraduate degree can set you up for success. While a master’s degree is required for licensure, your bachelor’s program lays the foundation. Here are some solid degree choices to consider:

• Psychology – Offered at the University of Toledo, this program dives into human behavior, helping you understand clients better.
• Counseling or Human Services – Available at Lourdes University nearby, it focuses on practical skills and community support, which are key in counseling roles.
• Social Work – Find this at Bowling Green State University, it emphasizes social systems and advocacy, great for those wanting a broad helping profession background.

Are there schools offering accelerated LPC programs in Toledo?

If you're looking to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Toledo, you might wonder about accelerated programs. Unfortunately, Toledo itself doesn’t currently offer accelerated LPC programs. However, you can find some faster-track options nearby, like in Columbus or even in neighboring states such as Michigan. These programs often condense coursework to help you finish sooner while meeting Ohio’s licensing requirements. Exploring nearby cities could be a smart move if speed is a priority for you.

Are there telehealth counseling opportunities in Toledo?

Yes, there are definitely telehealth counseling opportunities in Toledo. Since the demand for mental health services has grown, many licensed professional counselors (LPCs) in Toledo have started offering remote sessions. This flexibility helps both counselors and clients connect more easily, especially for those who prefer or need to stay home. Ohio’s regulations support telehealth, so as an LPC, you can provide counseling online as long as you follow state rules and maintain client confidentiality.

For anyone pursuing licensure in Toledo, gaining experience with telehealth can be a smart move. It broadens your job prospects and lets you work with a wider range of clients. Plus, many employers and private practices in Toledo are adopting telehealth as a standard part of their services, so it’s a growing field worth considering.

References:

• American Counseling Association. (n.d.). Practicum/Internship Opportunities. American Counseling Association
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. (2025). University of Toledo. CACREP
• Counseling Degree Guide. (2021). Ohio Counseling License Requirements. Counseling Degree Guide
• Mojozy. (n.d.). Top Professional Counseling Internship, Practicum, and Clinical Supervision Field Placement Sites in Toledo, Ohio. Mojozy
• National Labor Exchange. (n.d.). Licensed Mental Health Professional (LPC/LMFT/LCSW) - Toledo, OH (REMOTE). NLX
• Online MFT Programs. (2023). Ohio Masters in Counseling Programs. Online MFT Programs
• The University of Toledo. (2025). Clinical Mental Health Counseling Training. The University of Toledo
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023). Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 29-1129 Therapists, All Other. U.S. BLS