Can You Transfer Your LPC License To Another State? What Are My Options?

If you're a mental health professional preparing for an interstate move, transferring your practice between state lines can seem daunting. You may have heard rumors that it's a complex and complicated process— and it can be— but if you have the correct information and resources, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. 

Here are a few options for getting your LPC in a new state:

1. Reapply for a new license

Though the process is complex and time-consuming, some people may need to reapply for a new license. In most cases, this is because their license has expired. Typical state requirements for becoming a licensed professional counselor include, but aren't limited to:

• A master's or doctoral degree from an accredited university. When applying in another state, be sure to check that state's educational requirements if you're planning on working in a specialized capacity.  
• Completion of semester coursework, practicum, or internship hours on diagnosing, treating, and assessing mental disorders. 
• Completion of post-degree hours under clinical supervision working directly with patients. Individuals must meet additional standards to act as a clinical supervisor. These may include practicing as a mental health professional for a specific number of years, completing required supervisory training, and meeting continuing education requirements. 
• Completion of state exams. Types of exams and the scores required to pass vary by state. States typically require certified counselors to pass standardized exams from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and/or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). 

2. Apply for endorsement

Endorsement is a measurement of equivalence and is typically done on a case-by-case basis. It compares what you did to get licensed in your home state— for example, the education accreditation, hours of supervised post-graduate work, and the state's exam requirements— and what the requirements are in your new state. If the new state's board determines that your credentials meet their requirements (or exceed them) you may receive an LPC by endorsement.

3. Apply for reciprocity

Reciprocity isn't done on a case-by-case basis but is instead based on a reciprocity agreement established between states (called the Counseling Compact). The conditions for receiving licensure reciprocity are sometimes similar between state licensing boards but may also differ depending on the state counseling boards' requirements.

Other requirements to consider when transferring your LPC license

In addition to fulfilling the educational, experiential, and examination requirements, other factors may influence your ability to transfer your license.

Continuing education requirements

Continuing education (CE) mandates to obtain licensure also usually differ between state licensing boards. Your licensure transfer may depend on completing your hours of CE within a specific time frame, or you must have a particular number of CE hours on ethical practices. States' requirements for how you receive your hours may also vary. 

Some common ways that licensed counselors may complete their CE requirements include:

• Attending a workshop, conference, or seminar in your related field.
• Taking college or university CE courses. 
• Developing your own course, workshop, or presentation.
• Undergoing a set number of hours of supervised clinical work or consultation with an accredited supervisor. 
• Writing and publishing materials in a mental health book or journal. 
• Completing a university or college dissertation.
• Developing a mental health outreach program. 
• Volunteering at an organization approved by the state's board. 

You’ll need to check with the state's board about their continuing education requirements. If you haven't completed the appropriate hours of CE for the state in which you're transferring, you may need to do so to obtain your license there. The National Board for Certified Counselors website offers more details on how you may earn your continuing education credits. 

Ethical standards

The importance of adherence to ethical standards in mental health care cannot be overstated. Standards are typically defined at a national level by The American Counseling Association (ACA) and/or The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)— but they can vary between states regarding areas like professional conduct and reporting requirements. 

Ethical guidelines and procedures may also differ slightly depending on a counselor's mode of practice, particularly with the rise of telehealth counseling in the wake of COVID-19. As such, the Counseling Compact places considerable emphasis on establishing concrete ethical standards for professionals seeking interstate licensure. The most commonly addressed ethical categories include: 

Informed consent— Counselors must have a process of notifying clients of the potential risks, outcomes, and benefits of treatment. Professionals typically deliver informed consent forms to their clients before beginning treatment. 

• The therapist is concerned that the client is at immediate risk of harming themselves.
• The client is an imminent threat to others through physical violence. 
• The therapist suspects the client is engaged in the abuse or neglect of another under their care. This might include a child, elderly adult, or disabled person. 

Counselors must adhere to strict guidelines for determining that a limit applies and how to report it to an outside party. 

Billing practices— Counselors are obligated to explain their billing policies before beginning treatment. 

Client abandonment— While a counselor has the option of terminating care at any time, they must ensure that the client has access to care from another professional before doing so. If they don't believe further care is necessary, the client and counselor must discuss and agree upon termination of services. 

Inappropriate relationships— Counselors must refrain from cultivating relationships with their clients that may potentially exploit or harm them or impair the counselor's judgment and objectivity. Scope Of Practice Breaches— Counselors are prohibited from working in areas outside of their skill set and educational training. For example, counselors licensed as LPCs cannot provide some of the same counseling services as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). In such cases, they may refer the client to another therapist with such training or provide resources where they may find one. A counselor's credentials and expertise should be fully available to clients before beginning a treatment program. 

Again, it's important to remember that most states require counselors to complete a set number of CE hours on ethics. 

How to transfer your LPC license between states

Regardless of your approach, it's vital to do your research before beginning the process to ensure the transition goes as smoothly as possible. Look up the state licensing board or regulatory agency for counseling where you'd like to transfer— their website will likely have information about their specific requirements for licensure. 

Also, be sure to contact the licensing board in the state where you want to practice. They can provide you with detailed guidance and any necessary forms or documentation you'll need.

The steps required to transfer your counseling license are typically similar between states: 

1. Contact the state counseling board where you want to practice. Be sure you have all the necessary forms and documentation. 
2. Complete the application. This will likely involve submitting personal information, transcripts, proof that you have a current unrestricted license, and verification of supervised professional counseling practice hours. Contact your current state's licensing board and request to have your verification sent directly to the new state's board. You may also need to pay application fees.  
3. Contact your state's licensing board to request that they send a copy of your license to the new state. 
4. Complete a background check. Some states may require a background check as part of the application process for reciprocity. Ensure you fulfill this requirement if it applies.
5. Gather proof of continuing education or additional coursework to meet their specific criteria. Be prepared to provide documentation if needed.
6. Complete additional requirements. Depending on the differences in state board licensing requirements, you may need to meet additional criteria, such as completing additional coursework, jurisprudence exams, or supervision hours.
7. Be prepared for a waiting period as the licensing board reviews your application and supporting documents. The processing time varies among states.
8.  After submitting your application, stay in touch with the licensing board. Follow up to ensure they have received all necessary documents and inquire about the status of your application if there are delays.