Become a certified counselor in Louisiana

To become a certified counselor in Louisiana, LA, there are several steps that need to be followed. Firstly, an individual must obtain a bachelor's degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited institution. After completing the undergraduate degree, the individual must then enroll in a master's degree program in counseling or a related field. The master's degree program must be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

Once the individual has completed the master's degree program, they must then complete a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised counseling experience. This experience must be completed under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). The individual must also pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).

After completing the required education, supervised experience, and passing the examination, the individual can then apply for licensure with the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners. The application process includes submitting transcripts, proof of supervised experience, and passing a criminal background check. Once the application is approved, the individual will be granted a license to practice as a professional counselor in Louisiana. It is important to note that continuing education is required to maintain the license, and the individual must renew their license every two years.