How long does it take to become an LCPC in Kansas?

Minimum 2 years (24 months) of full-time work if you accumulate 3,000 hours at ~40 hours/week. Many practitioners take longer (3–4 years) working part-time or transitioning between positions. Your must also have completed your master’s degree (2 years) first, so total time from bachelor’s to LCPC is typically 6–8 years depending on master’s program length and how quickly you accumulate supervised hours.

Can I do my supervision via telehealth or videoconference in Kansas?

Yes. Kansas amended its regulations in 2021 (SB 2208) to allow all supervision hours to be delivered via synchronous videoconferencing with confidentiality protections. Telephone supervision is only allowed under extenuating circumstances approved by the board. This is a significant change from earlier requirements and makes remote supervision fully viable.

What happens if my supervisor quits or I change jobs during supervision?

You must submit a Supervision Training Plan Amendment to the BSRB within 45 days of the change. If you miss this deadline, you will lose ALL accrued hours from the date of the change until the amendment is approved. Plan changes must be submitted in writing and approved before you can resume accruing hours. This is a strict rule — no extensions are granted.

Can I do my postgraduate supervision hours part-time?

Yes. As long as you accrue hours toward your 24-month minimum calendar requirement (weeks worked count even if part-time), you can take up to 6 years to complete your 3,000 hours if needed. You must maintain the 1:15 supervision ratio and attend at least 2 supervision sessions per month.

What’s the difference between an LPC and an LCPC in Kansas?

An LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) has a master’s degree and passed the NCE but is NOT clinically licensed. LPCs cannot diagnose or treat mental disorders independently; they must practice under the supervision of an LCPC, Licensed Psychologist, or equivalent provider. An LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) has completed 3,000+ hours of supervised clinical experience, passed the NCMHCE, and can diagnose and treat mental disorders independently, open private practice, and bill insurance.

Does Kansas have any reciprocity agreements with other states for LCPC licensure?

Kansas does not have formal reciprocity with any specific state. However, the Counseling Compact (which Kansas has enacted) will eventually allow LPCs/LCPCs to apply for practice privileges across compact member states without a new license — though applications are not yet live as of March 2026. In the meantime, out-of-state LCPC applicants can apply for Kansas licensure via traditional endorsement if they meet substantially equivalent standards or have 12 months continuous practice plus 3 years clinical practice.

What is the Kansas BSRB and how do I contact them during my supervision?

The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) is the state agency that regulates all counselors, social workers, psychologists, and marriage/family therapists in Kansas. You’ll contact them to submit your Clinical Supervision Training Plan, request amendments, and eventually apply for LCPC licensure. Contact: 700 SW Harrison St, Suite 420, Topeka, KS 66603; Phone 785-296-3240; Website https://www.ksbsrb.ks.gov

CredentialTraxLicensure Compliance

Moderate ComplexityComing SoonLicensed Professional Counselor (LPC) → Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

Kansas LPC → LCPC Supervision Requirements

Complete your 3,000+ supervised hours and earn your Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor license in Kansas.

Total Hours

3,000

Calendar Minimum

24 months

Supervision

100

Direct Hours Floor

1,500

Why This State Is Complex

Kansas has a straightforward two-tier counseling system: LPC (entry-level, no supervision required) and LCPC (clinical level, requiring supervised postgraduate experience). The pathway is relatively clear with standard supervision ratios (1:15), though the board requires pre-approved supervision plans before hours accrue and strict 45-day reporting on plan changes.

Key Requirements at a Glance

Master’s degree in counseling (60 semester hours) with practicum of 280+ hours direct client contact

3,000 hours total postgraduate supervised experience; minimum 1,500 direct client contact hours

100 hours of clinical supervision (50 individual, up to 50 group)

1:15 supervision ratio AND minimum 2 supervision sessions per month with at least 1 individual

Clinical Supervision Training Plan must be board-approved BEFORE hours begin accruing

24-month minimum calendar requirement; no maximum time limit

Pass NCMHCE (National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam)

30 hours continuing education per 24-month renewal (6 ethics, 3 diagnosis/treatment, 3 cultural diversity as of July 2025)

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Failing to submit Clinical Supervision Training Plan to BSRB for pre-approval before starting work — no backdating allowed

Not reporting training plan changes (supervisor, job duties, location) within 45 days; results in loss of all hours from date of change

Confusing LPC-level requirements (no supervision needed for LPC alone) with LCPC postgraduate requirements

Using non-board-approved supervisors or supervisors with less than 2 years LCPC experience without board exception approval

Assuming telehealth supervision is forbidden — videoconferencing is fully allowed; only phone supervision needs board approval for extenuating circumstances

Not meeting the dual requirements: both 1:15 ratio AND 2 monthly sessions with 1 individual (whichever is stricter applies)

Frequently Asked Questions

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