Minnesota issues multiple classes of counseling and therapist licenses. Each has its own unique requirements, and it's important to understand the standards that apply to your career path. Doing so will ensure you get the right degrees and training.
Explore key details with this guide to Minnesota counselor license requirements.
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Minnesota Counselor Licensure Requirements
Minnesota's main counselor and therapist license classes include the following designations:
Licensed professional counselor (LPC)
Licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC)
Licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT)
School counselor
The Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy issues LPC and LPCC licenses, while the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy handles LMFT licensure. School counselors obtain credentialing through the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board.
Learn about the requirements for each licensure pathway below:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Counselor in Minnesota?
The amount of time it will take to obtain your Minnesota counseling license varies. Use the estimates in the table below as a guideline. They account for all required education and experiential training:
| License Type | Typical Time Requirements |
|---|---|
| LPC | 7-11 years |
| LPCC | 8-12 years |
| LMFT | 8-12 years |
| School Counselor (Tier 2) | 5-6 years |
You can expedite your journey toward licensure by qualifying with a master's degree instead of completing a doctorate. However, doctoral degree-holders have more rigorous and comprehensive academic training, which may enhance your professional performance.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Minnesota
Minnesota offers licensure by reciprocity to LPCs, LPCCs, and LMFTs with valid, unencumbered licenses issued by other U.S. jurisdictions. The general process for obtaining a Minnesota license by reciprocity involves submitting a licensure by reciprocity application and verifying your existing license. You may also have to pass an additional background check. Additionally, effective August 1, 2024, Minnesota joined the Counseling Compact, which will eventually allow licensed counselors from other member states to practice in Minnesota once the implementation phase is complete.
Minnesota's school counselor licensing guidelines do not specify any direct path to licensure by reciprocity. If you are a licensed school counselor in another state, contact the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board for license transfer information.
How to Renew a Counseling License in Minnesota
In Minnesota, LPC and LPCC licenses remain valid for two years. You must obtain 40 hours of counseling-related continuing education (CE) during each renewal period.
LMFTs must renew their licenses annually by December 31, with 40 hours of CE required to renew in odd-numbered years. Core requirements include four hours of cultural competency and three hours of ethics.
Tier 2 school counselor licenses are valid for two years, and you can renew yours up to three times. You are then required to upgrade to a Tier 3 license to continue practicing. Tier 3 licenses renew every three years, with 75 CE hours required. Tier 4 licenses renew every five years, with 125 CE hours required.
Salary Expectations for Counselors in Minnesota
In most cases, the average salaries licensed counselors and therapists earn in Minnesota closely align with national averages for the same professions. One notable exception applies to substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. In Minnesota, these professionals earn about 10% less than the national average.
You may earn more or less than the salaries listed in the table below. Your overall earning potential depends on factors including location, education and experience level, and your professional accomplishments and reputation.
| Occupation | Average Hourly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $32.73 | $68,080 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $35.05 | $72,900 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $25.34 | $52,710 |
| Substance Use, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $28.37 | $59,020 |
| Counselors, All Other | $28.03 | $58,300 |
Professional Organizations for Counselors in Minnesota
Minnesota Counseling Association: MnCA's operating mandate focuses on educational, networking, and legislative initiatives to advance professional counseling in Minnesota. It also offers continuing education programs (including monthly ethics forums offering up to 12 CEUs per year), networking forums, conferences, internship fairs, and special events. MnCA's corporate sponsors may also post counseling job vacancies on the site.
Minnesota School Counselor Association: Founded in 1952, MSCA provides extensive resources aligned with the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) initiative. It also hosts regular events, an annual conference, and issues professional recognition awards to high-performing members.
Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy: Emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice values, MAMFT advocates for the needs of both therapy clients and licensed service providers. It also conducts live and on-demand training sessions and an annual conference while maintaining a pay-what-you-can membership model.
Minnesota Association of Resources for Recovery and Chemical Health: MARRCH engages Minnesota's substance use and addiction treatment professionals, as well as human services and community agencies that work to promote recovery. The association represents more than 75 agencies and over 2,000 individuals, including licensed alcohol and drug counselors, students, and other behavioral health professionals. Notable member benefits include continuing education programs, networking and community service opportunities, and newsletter access.
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Licensure in Minnesota
No. State law prohibits practitioners from providing therapy services to paying clients in Minnesota without a valid license. The only exception applies to individuals exempted under Section 148B.592 of the 2025 Minnesota Statutes.
