Loading
North Carolina licenses Mental Health Counselors/Therapists as Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). 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 North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors.
A qualifying master's program; effective July 1, 2025 CACREP-accredited coursework is required (intro to clinical mental health counseling with professional issues/ethics, practicum, and clinical internship). Verify current requirements with the NC Board of LCMHCs.
The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) administered by NBCC. Verify with the NC Board.
At least 3,000 hours of supervised professional practice (at least 2,000 in direct counseling) with at least 100 hours of clinical supervision (1 hour individual or 2 hours group per 40 hours of practice). Verify current requirements with the NC Board.
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 North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors.
Telehealth practice is governed by state law and board rules. Verify current telehealth requirements with the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors.
Other licensed behavioral-health professions in North Carolina. 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.