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. LPCs are typically master's-degree mental health service practitioners, but may also hold a doctoral degree.
Licensed professional counselors' 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 (e.g., psychiatrists).
The map below shows which states allow Licensed Professional Counselors to diagnose in statute.