How to become a certified counselor in Illinois, IL

To become a certified counselor in Illinois, there are several steps that need to be taken. First, an individual must obtain a master's degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited institution. This degree program should include coursework in counseling theories, ethics, and techniques, as well as supervised clinical experience.

After completing the degree program, the individual must then gain post-graduate supervised clinical experience. This experience must be completed under the supervision of a licensed counselor or other mental health professional. The amount of required experience varies depending on the type of counseling certification being sought.

Once the required clinical experience has been obtained, the individual must then pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). These exams are administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and are required for certification in Illinois.

After passing the exam, the individual must then apply for certification through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The application process includes submitting transcripts, proof of clinical experience, and passing a background check.

Once certified, counselors in Illinois must complete continuing education requirements to maintain their certification. This includes completing a certain number of hours of continuing education courses each year. By following these steps, an individual can become a certified counselor in Illinois and begin practicing in the field of mental health counseling.