Counseling License Requirements in Ohio
Discover Ohio counseling licensure requirements in this guide to learn about education, training, renewal, and salary prospects.
Considering becoming a counselor in Ohio? If so, it’s important to become familiar with Ohio’s counseling licensure requirements. Consult this guide to learn about the different licenses available, including education and experience requirements and potential earnings.
Ohio Counseling Licensure Requirements
Prospective counselors in Ohio can pursue different levels of licensure, each with distinct requirements.
The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT) establishes licensing procedures and practice standards for licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCCs), and marriage and family therapists (MFTs).
School counselors in Ohio must obtain a professional pupil services license through the Ohio State Board of Education.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Counselor in Ohio?
It takes six to eight years to become a counselor in Ohio, depending on several factors, including the type of degree you pursue and the level of licensure you intend to obtain. If you attend full time, a bachelor’s degree typically takes four years, followed by another two years to earn a master’s. Some schools offer accelerated programs that shorten the time needed to earn a degree.
Advanced licensure levels require an additional time commitment. LPCCs and IMFTs must complete two more years of supervised experience requirements and prepare for licensure examinations.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Ohio
The Ohio CSWMFT does not currently offer counseling license reciprocity.. However, out-of-state counselors with valid licenses comparable to Ohio LPC, LPCC, or MFT licenses may be eligible for licensure by endorsement. The application process for all licensure levels requires submission of an online application, exam results, transcripts, and a criminal records check.
The process for school counselors is similar. The Ohio State Board of Education requires that out-of-state school counselors meet Ohio guidelines for an initial professional pupil services license. Applicants must submit proof of their eligibility, exam results, transcripts, and a criminal records check.
How to Renew a Counseling License in Ohio
All licensed professional counselors and marriage and family therapists must renew their licenses every two years. LPCs, LPCCs, and MFTs must complete 30 hours of continuing education within the two-year renewal period, including three hours in ethics.
School counselors must renew their licenses every five years. During each five-year period, they must fulfill renewal coursework related to school counseling or approved professional development activities. Beginning in 2026, Ohio school counselors working with students in grades 7-12 must complete a construction trades career training program as part of their renewal requirements.
Salary Expectations for Counselors in Ohio
Salaries for counselors in Ohio vary by type of specialization, geographic location, and years of work experience.
Average annual salaries for Ohio counselors range from $46,000 to $69,000. Marriage and family therapists are among the top earners in Ohio, making an average yearly salary of $78,300 compared to the national average of $72,720 for this specialization.
Salaries in Ohio’s major metropolitan centers are typically higher than in less populated areas. For example, in the Columbus metropolitan area, counselors earn more than the state averages in most specializations, ranging from $47,800 to $85,550.
| Occupation | Average Hourly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $33.04 | $68,730 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $37.64 | $78,300 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $23.93 | $49,760 |
| Substance Use, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $28.83 | $59,960 |
| Counselors, All Other | $22.13 | $46,020 |
Professional Organizations for Counselors in Ohio
- Ohio Counseling Association: OCA represents the interests of school, career, mental health, and rehabilitation counselors, and students preparing for a counseling career. Membership benefits include continuing education opportunities, newsletters, podcasts, and a job board. The association also sponsors a ListServ that provides a forum on professional and legislative issues impacting Ohio counselors.
- Ohio School Counselor Association: OCSA supports school counselors in the state through its promotion of professional and ethical standards and legislative advocacy. The association sponsors a virtual professional development series, a job board, and opportunities for awards, grants, and student scholarships.
- Ohio Association of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Counselors: As a state affiliate of the National Association for Addiction Professionals, OAADAC provides free professional development webinars, certification and clinical training assistance, reduced rates for publications, and discounted professional liability insurance. The association offers student members tuition discounts and scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Licensure
Licensed counselors in Ohio must fulfill all educational, training, and exam requirements for their specific license level. The Ohio Counselor Social Worker Marriage and Family Therapist Board administers the application process for LPC, LPCC, and MFT licenses. School counselors must apply for the pupil services license through the Ohio State Board of Education.
