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Missouri 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 Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors.
A master's, specialist's, or doctoral degree with a major in counseling; for those enrolled on or after August 28, 2023, the program must include at least 60 semester hours covering counseling principles, theories, techniques, and interventions. Verify current requirements with the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors.
The National Counselor Examination (NCE) administered through NBCC/CCE, plus the Missouri Jurisprudence (Legal and Ethical Responsibilities) Examination on state counseling laws and rules. Verify current requirements with the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors.
3,000 hours of supervised experience over a minimum of 24 months, including at least 1,200 hours of direct face-to-face client contact, completed under an approved supervisor. Verify current requirements with the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors.
Missouri participates in the Counseling Compact. It was enacted via RSMo 337.550; the state anticipated issuing compact privileges around mid-2026 — confirm current availability. License portability is also available by reciprocity. Verify current requirements with the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors.
Telehealth practice is governed by state law and board rules. Verify current telehealth requirements with the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors.
Other licensed behavioral-health professions in Missouri. 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.