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Illinois licenses Mental Health Counselors/Therapists as Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). 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 Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
A graduate (master's or doctoral) degree in counseling or a closely related field of at least 48 semester hours, rising to 60 semester hours effective July 1, 2026. Verify current requirements with IDFPR.
Both the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) — or the CRCC Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination. Verify current exam requirements with IDFPR.
Post-degree supervised clinical experience (one year = 1,680 hours; LCPC requires the equivalent of two years), with at least 50% in direct client service under an approved supervisor. Verify current requirements with IDFPR.
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 Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Telehealth practice is governed by state law and board rules. Verify current telehealth requirements with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Other licensed behavioral-health professions in Illinois. 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.