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California licenses Mental Health Counselors/Therapists as Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Applicants generally complete a qualifying graduate degree, accrue post-degree supervised clinical experience, and pass a national examination. Verify current education, supervised-experience, examination, renewal, and continuing education requirements directly with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
A master's degree from an accredited program; qualifying programs include at least 6 semester (9 quarter) units of supervised practicum/field study with direct client contact (minimum 280 face-to-face hours). Verify current coursework requirements with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Two exams are required: the California Law and Ethics Exam and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Verify current exam requirements with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
3,000 hours of supervised experience over a minimum of 104 weeks, completed after registering as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) under a BBS-approved supervisor with weekly supervision. Verify current requirements with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
License portability may be available by endorsement/reciprocity and, where the state participates, through the Counseling Compact. Verify Counseling Compact participation and endorsement eligibility with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Telehealth practice is governed by state law and board rules. Verify current telehealth requirements with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Other licensed behavioral-health professions in California. Each links to its own full state guide — always verify current requirements with the relevant official board.
This guide is for general informational purposes only and should not be treated as legal, licensing, or employment advice. Counselor licensing laws, board rules, education and supervised-experience requirements, examinations, and renewal requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements directly with the official state counseling licensing board or applicable regulatory agency.