Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP) – Illinois

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Educational Requirements

• A master’s degree or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, or rehabilitation counseling from a college, university or school that is a regionally accredited institution of higher education and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• The program must be at least 2 academic years in length with a minimum of 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours, with a minimum of one course (“course” is defined as 3 semester hours or 4.5 quarter hours equivalent) in each of the following areas. The definition of a minimum of one course means that the objectives and content of one course cannot be used to meet the objectives and content of another course. Examples of course titles that relate to each of the core content areas are Human Growth and Development, Counseling Theory, Counseling Techniques, Group Dynamics, Processing and Counseling, Appraisal of Individuals, Research and Evaluation, Professional, Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Relating to Professional Counseling, Social and Cultural Foundations, Lifestyle and Career Development, Practicum/Internship, Psychopathology and Maladaptive Behavior, Addictions, and Family Dynamics.

*Through June 30, 2026, individuals that graduated from a program that requires at least 39 semester hours, but less than 48 semester hours may take additional classes post-degree in a regionally accredited counseling program that issues degrees acceptable for licensure under this Part, or as approved by the Board. Programs that require less than 39 semester hours of education to receive a degree will not be accepted for licensure.

*Beginning July 1, 2026, individuals applying for licensure shall graduate from a program with a minimum of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours with a minimum of one course (“course” is defined as a minimum of 3 semester hours or 4.5 quarter hours equivalent) in each of the core areas listed in subsection (a)(5). Individuals graduating from a program that requires at least 39 semester hours, but less than 60 semester hours may take additional classes post-degree in a regionally accredited counseling program that issues degrees acceptable for licensure under this Part, or as approved by the Board. Programs that require less than 39 semester hours of education to receive a degree shall not be acceptable for licensure.  Programs with evidence of fewer than 7 of the 13 required core areas listed in subsection (a)(5) will not be accepted for the purposes of licensure.

• The program has a one-year residence. Residence requires completion of courses at a single institution’s program. One year’s residence is defined as 24 semester hours taken on a full-time or part-time basis at the institution accumulated within the time frame and course of study of the program. Beginning July 1, 2026, one year’s residence semester hour requirement is 30 semester hours.
• All master’s degree and doctoral programs in professional counseling or rehabilitation counseling that are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) and doctoral programs in psychology approved by the American Psychological Association and the Council for the National Registry of Health Service Providers are approved programs.

For more information:

https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/ProfCounselor.html

https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/renewals/apply/forms/pc.pdf