How to Become a Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Kentucky

Mental health illnesses affect over 25% of adults in the United States each year. You can make a meaningful difference in this vital healthcare field by becoming a clinical mental health counselor in Kentucky.

The path to becoming a mental health counselor in Kentucky requires specific educational and professional qualifications. The state offers two levels of licensure with distinct requirements. You must complete 4,000 hours of supervised experience, and at least 1,600 hours must focus on direct counseling work. LPCA Kentucky requirements create a clear path for future professionals.

This detailed guide outlines the steps to become a licensed clinical mental health counselor in Kentucky. You’ll learn about educational prerequisites, licensing procedures, and continuing education requirements for 2025 and beyond.

Types of Licensure in Kentucky

The Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors manages the licensing process for mental health counselors in the state. Your career progression in this field depends on knowing the different types of licenses available.

Kentucky uses a tiered licensing system for mental health counselors. Two main types of credentials create a progressive career path:

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA)

The LPCA credential marks your entry point in Kentucky. This license lets you practice professional counseling under supervision. You’ll work to build up the required supervised experience hours needed for full licensure as an LPCA. The application fee for this credential is $50.00.

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

Kentucky’s full, independent practice license is the LPCC. This credential allows you to practice clinical mental health counseling independently. The LPCC license application costs $150.00. Your training and supervised experience culminate in this license.

After holding an active LPCC license in good standing for two years, you can earn an additional supervisor designation:

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor (LPCC-S)

This designation lets you supervise LPCAs. You’ll need to complete either a 15-hour continuing education course in supervision or a three-hour graduate-level supervision course. This credential makes it possible to guide new counselors through their supervised experience requirements.

The Kentucky Board provides paths for counselors licensed in other states. Licensed counselors may qualify through endorsement if their out-of-state requirements match Kentucky’s standards. The board grants LPCA and LPCC licenses through reciprocity to equivalent credential holders from Tennessee.

Licensed professionals must renew their credentials yearly to stay compliant with state regulations. The renewal process requires completing continuing education and paying the appropriate fees.

The path from LPCA to LPCC requires:

1. Completing a CACREP-accredited graduate degree program
2. Accumulating 4,000 hours of supervised experience (including 1,600 hours of direct counseling)
3. Receiving 100 hours of face-to-face clinical supervision
4. Passing a national counseling examination sponsored by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)

Kentucky’s licensing framework operates under Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS 335.500-335.599) and Kentucky Administrative Regulations (201 KAR 36:005-36:100). These legal foundations give the board authority to test and license qualified candidates entering the profession.

This knowledge of licensure types creates the foundation for your career path toward becoming a fully licensed clinical mental health counselor in Kentucky.

Earn Your Degree

Starting your path to become a clinical mental health counselor in Kentucky requires the right degree. Kentucky law states you need a master’s degree in counseling or a related field from a CACREP-accredited institution.

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) sets the gold standard for counseling education in Kentucky. This accreditation will give a solid foundation that employers and licensing boards recognize. All programs in Kentucky must be CACREP-accredited to meet licensure requirements.

A master’s program in clinical mental health counseling needs 60 credit hours. The detailed curriculum prepares you for counseling practice through courses covering these key areas:

• The helping relationship and counseling theory
• Human growth and development
• Lifestyle and career development
• Group dynamics and counseling
• Assessment and testing of individuals
• Social and cultural foundations
• Diagnosis, treatment planning, and prevention
• Research methods and evaluation
• Professional ethics and orientation
• Supervised practicum/internship experience

Your degree requirements include field experience with at least 600 hours of hosted practicum or internship. This hands-on experience is a great way to get ground application of counseling skills under professional supervision.

Kentucky universities offer CACREP-accredited programs in different formats to match your priorities:

On-Campus Programs:Eastern Kentucky University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling costs $541 per credit hour[74]. The program readies counselors for detailed care centers, regional mental health centers, and hospitals.

Northern Kentucky University’s Master of Science program trains counselors to work with people of all backgrounds facing everyday challenges and serious mental health difficulties.

Online and Hybrid Options:University of Kentucky runs a fully online Master in Counselor Education program that ranks among the nation’s top 10 rehabilitation counseling programs. Students can complete practicums and internships 100% online in some cases.

Western Kentucky University provides both residential and fully online paths for their 60-credit hour Master of Arts in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Students must attend two mandatory on-campus skills residencies, whatever format they choose.

University of the Cumberlands offers the best value at $449 per credit hour for their online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Full-time students usually finish these programs in about two years with summers included. Part-time options take 3-4 years. Spalding University has an accelerated track you can complete in two years.

You can customize your degree through electives and certificates in high-demand areas like addictions counseling, couple and family counseling, or play therapy.

Before applying for the LPCA credential, check that your program meets the educational requirements set by the Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors. Your degree must cover all nine curricular areas listed in Kentucky law.

Get Licensed

The next major step to become a clinical mental health counselor in Kentucky is proper licensure after completing your graduate degree in counseling. This process has several key steps that ensure you get adequate supervised experience and show clinical competence.

You need to apply for the Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) credential through Kentucky Board’s online portal. The application costs $50 and needs an FBI criminal background check that must be less than 90 days old.

A written supervision agreement with an approved supervisor is mandatory before starting supervised practice. The agreement must have detailed information about:

• Your name and contact information
• Your supervisor’s credentials and experience
• The practice setting where you’ll work
• Types of clients and treatments you’ll provide
• Frequency and nature of supervision
• Conditions for termination of supervision

You can start practicing as an LPCA and accumulate supervised experience hours once the board approves your supervision agreement.

Full licensure requires 4,000 hours of supervised experience. This must have at least 1,600 hours of direct counseling with individuals, families, couples, or groups. You also need a minimum of 100 hours of face-to-face individual clinical supervision.

Full-time practitioners need supervision at least three times monthly (one hour per meeting). Part-time practitioners need one hour for every 30 hours of client contact. The supervision can include interactive video sessions if they meet confidentiality requirements.

Your supervised practice period should focus on:

• Diagnosing client problems using recognized clinical nomenclature
• Developing and modifying treatment plans
• Building treatment skills for various therapeutic phases
• Addressing ethical issues in professional counseling
• Developing professional therapeutic presence

The next step is passing a national examination sponsored by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) after meeting the supervised experience requirements. You can register for either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Send your academic transcript, exam application, and a $275 fee to the Center for Credentialing and Education.

The final step is applying for the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credential through Kentucky Board’s online portal with a $150 application fee. You can practice independently as a clinical mental health counselor in Kentucky after approval.

Find Employment

Kentucky has plenty of jobs for new clinical mental health counselors. Once you get your license, you can find work that fits your interests anywhere in the state.

Right now, mental health professionals are in high demand in Kentucky. Job boards show over 168 clinical mental health counselor positions open across the state. These jobs are available in settings of all types, so you can choose the path that works best for you.

Here are some of Kentucky’s biggest employers looking for mental health counselors:

• Community mental health centers: New Vista has positions open across ten counties in Eastern Kentucky. They help people who might not otherwise get mental health care.
• Private practices: Groups like Lexington Counseling and Psychiatry hire counselors at different experience levels. They welcome those under clinical supervision too.
• Healthcare systems: Hospital networks and behavioral health facilities always need licensed counselors.
• Telehealth providers: Kentucky Counseling Center runs one of the state’s largest telehealth networks. They let you work remotely.

Kentucky Counseling Center gives you several ways to work. Among other options, you can choose:

• Full salary with benefits and quarterly bonuses
• Weekly pay at an hourly rate
• Revenue sharing as an independent contractor

The benefits are great. You’ll usually get health insurance, dental coverage, vision plans, paid time off, and 401(k) matching. Some places even help with student loans and continuing education.

You can often set your own schedule, which helps prevent burnout. Private practices might give you office space if you work at least 24 hours each week.

Finding jobs is easy. Mental health job boards list positions specifically for counselors. LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter post many clinical mental health counselor openings statewide. LifeStance Health even has its own job portal just for Kentucky mental health clinicians.

Your pay depends on where you work, your experience, and the setting. Private practices often pay a percentage of what you bill. Lexington Counseling and Psychiatry proudly states their “reimbursement rates are high and our people are paid well”.

When looking for jobs, make sure to showcase your Kentucky license, training, and special skills that set you apart. Employers often look for counselors who know about substance use disorders or trauma-informed care.

Remain Compliant

Your professional obligations as a clinical mental health counselor in Kentucky continue after your original licensure. You need to comply with Kentucky’s regulatory requirements to keep your license active.

Licensed counselors must complete 10 hours of CE annually to meet Kentucky’s continuing education (CE) requirements. These requirements will give a clear path to maintaining your credentials. Missing these requirements could lead to potential risks like fines, license suspension, or revocation. Several mandatory subject areas need completion:

• 3 hours of domestic violence training within the first 3 years of licensure
• 6 hours of suicide assessment, treatment, and management every 6 years
• 3 hours of law pertaining to Kentucky counseling regulations once every three years

The Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors has updated its requirements. Since February 2024, all applicants must submit FBI criminal background checks for original applications and reinstatements. The actual FBI report must be submitted because the board no longer accepts optional affidavits.

Professional counselors must maintain high standards of competence and integrity in Kentucky. The board may take disciplinary action against you for several reasons:

• Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor related to counseling practice
• Disciplinary action by another state’s regulatory agency
• Impairment due to mental incapacity or substance abuse
• Failure to cooperate with board investigations

Your practice should stay within the boundaries of your competence based on your education, training, supervised experience, credentials, and professional background. You should watch for signs of impairment from physical, mental, or emotional problems and stop providing professional services if impaired.

Make sure your service advertisements accurately represent your qualifications without misleading information. You should make a clear difference between paid and volunteer work experience. Only claim licenses or certifications that remain current and in good standing.

Note that compliance requirements might change over time. Regular checks of the Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors website will help you stay updated about the latest regulatory changes affecting your practice.

Next Steps

Professional development becomes crucial for career growth after you establish your clinical mental health counseling practice in Kentucky. Professional organizations provide great networking chances and continuing education resources.

Mental health professionals in Kentucky rely on the Kentucky Counseling Association (KCA) as their premier organization. KCA’s 67th Annual Conference will take place at the Marriott East in Louisville November 5-7, 2025. You can register starting August 1, 2025, which gives you a chance to network with fellow counselors and earn continuing education credits.

The Kentucky School Counselor Association (KSCA) welcomes school counselors as members. KSCA supports its members through professional development, resources, and advocacy at both state and national levels. Their Fall Conference will be held at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa in Lexington from September 9-11, 2026.

Students completing their education should note these graduate counseling program application deadlines:

• October 1 for spring admission
• March 1 for fall admission

The review process starts October 6th and March 6th respectively. Admission requires:

1. Submitting your application materials
2. Background check completion
3. Participating in an admissions interview (scheduled on the last Tuesdays of March and October)

Licensed clinical mental health counselors can pursue various career paths in Kentucky. Career options include:

• Community-based settings
• Mental health agencies
• Residential treatment centers
• Drug/alcohol treatment facilities
• Family resource centers
• Hospitals
• Employee assistance programs
• Career placement centers

Graduates often work with clients of all backgrounds. Their work involves individual therapy, group counseling, family counseling, intake assessments, psychoeducational groups, program development, and consultation services.

Your practice can grow stronger through ongoing specialization. You might want to think over developing expertise in specific therapeutic approaches or client populations based on your interests and community needs.

Additional certifications can help you stand out among peers. Areas like addiction counseling, trauma-informed care, or play therapy go beyond the simple licensure requirements.