Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) provide mental health services, often in community-based settings where psychiatrist shortages exist. In some states, LPCs are referred to as licensed mental health counselors. Licensure typically requires a master's or doctoral degree in counseling or a related program and supervised clinical experience.
LPCs' authority to diagnose patients' mental illness varies by state statute. Diagnosis is often important for further developing effective patient treatment plans based on individual needs. Without diagnostic ability, LPCs often must refer patients to other licensed professionals with authority to diagnose mental disorders-such as psychiatrists.
The map below shows which states allow LPCs to diagnose in statute.