Counselors and therapists are in demand in Pennsylvania. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 17% increase in employment for substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors during 2024-2034, and a 10% increase for marriage and family therapists.
Explore Pennsylvania's requirements for aspiring counselors along with renewal requirements and salary data for counseling careers across the state.
Pennsylvania Counselor Licensure Requirements
Pennsylvania issues five types of counseling credentials, including licensed professional counselor (LPC), licensed associate professional counselor, marriage and family therapist (MFT), licensed associate marriage and family therapist, and school counselor. All license types require at least amaster's degree in counseling or related fields.
The State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors oversees LPC and MFT licensing while the Pennsylvania Department of Education credentials school counselors.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Counselor in Pennsylvania?
You can expect to spend 7-8 years becoming a counselor in Pennsylvania, including earning your degrees, completing postgraduate supervised training, and passing the applicable examination.
The first step toward becoming a counselor entails earning a bachelor's degree, which generally takes four years. The second step is completing a master's degree in the field in which you want to practice (e.g., mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or school counseling). A master's degree takes 2-3 years to complete.
Professional counselor and marriage and family therapist licensure requires two years of post-degree supervised experience for master's degree holders. You'll also need time to study for and take the appropriate exam for your license or certification.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's Board of Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors offer licensure by endorsement to professional counselors and marriage and family therapists holding active licenses in good standing from other states. The Board also allows license portability for LPCs and MFTs licensed and practicing in other states with substantially equivalent licensure requirements.
The Pennsylvania Board of Education details pathways for out-of-state certified school counselors with credentials comparable to Pennsylvania certification, state certifications from other states and two years of experience, and graduates of out-of-state approved preparation programs.
How to Renew a Counseling License in Pennsylvania
LPCs and MFTs renew their licenses every two years. The initial licensure renewal requires three hours of Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting. Subsequent renewal periods require 30 hours of continuing education coursework during each renewal period.
The 30 hours must include three hours of ethics, two hours of child abuse reporter training, and one hour of suicide prevention content. The license renewal fee is $95.
School counselors must complete 180 hours of continuing professional education every five years to maintain active certification. There is no fee for routine renewal of school cousenling certification.
Salary Expectations for Counselors in Pennsylvania
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), marriage and family therapists earn the highest average salary in Pennsylvania, at of $67,890, followed by closely by school counselors, at $67,110.
The Philadelphia metropolitan area offers particularly high salaries for marriage and family therapists and school counselors, reaching annual averages of $77,800 and $72,190, respectively.
| Occupation | Average Hourly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $32.26 | $67,110 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $32.64 | $67,890 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $25.41 | $52,840 |
| Substance Use, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $27.49 | $57,170 |
| Counselors, All Other | $28.99 | $60,300 |
Professional Organizations for Counselors in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Counseling Association (PCA)
A state branch of the American Counseling Association , PCA offers three regional chapters, advocacy, education, and networking for licensed counselors and counselors-in-training. New members receive 50% off their membership application.
Pennsylvania School Counselors Association (PSCA)
The PSCA has memberships for professionals, associates, students, and retirees. It includes professional development, online resources, an annual conference, legislative advocacy, and representation.
Pennsylvania Association of Addiction Professionals (PAAP)
As an affiliate of the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals, PAAP benefits members with certification, training resources, education, a career center, and advocacy. Members also receive discounted professional liability insurance, conferences, trainings, and publications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Licensure
Yes. Pennsylvania law prohibits the independent practice of marriage and family therapy and professional counseling without a license. Additionally, school counselors must hold certification to practice in a school setting.
