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Connecticut licenses Mental Health Counselors/Therapists as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). 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 Connecticut Department of Public Health — Professional Counselor Licensure.
A graduate (master's or doctoral) degree in counseling or a related field from a regionally accredited institution with at least 60 graduate semester hours in or related to counseling, including a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour clinical mental health counseling internship (a CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling degree satisfies these requirements). Verify current requirements with the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
The National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), administered by NBCC; Connecticut does not administer a separate state examination. Verify current requirements with the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
3,000 hours of postgraduate experience under professional supervision over a period of not less than two years, including a minimum of 100 hours of direct professional supervision. Verify current requirements with the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
Connecticut participates in the Counseling Compact. It was enacted via Public Act 23-195 (2023), but the privilege to practice is not yet operational as the compact remains in rulemaking and Connecticut is not yet accepting compact applications. License portability is also available by endorsement. Verify current requirements with the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
Telehealth practice is governed by state law and board rules. Verify current telehealth requirements with the Connecticut Department of Public Health — Professional Counselor Licensure.
Other licensed behavioral-health professions in Connecticut. 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.