How long does it take to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri?

The minimum is 24 calendar months of continuous supervised experience working an average of 15 hours per week. However, to complete 3,000 hours at 15 hours/week, you need roughly 200 weeks, or about 3.8 years of full-time work. Most candidates finish in 24–48 months depending on part-time vs. full-time employment. All hours must be completed within 60 months (5 years) from the start of supervision.

Can I do my supervision hours remotely or via telehealth in Missouri?

No. Missouri regulations require 1 hour per week of face-to-face supervision, meaning in-person meetings are mandatory. Telehealth or remote supervision is not explicitly permitted. All supervision must involve direct, in-person contact between the supervisee and supervisor.

What counts as 'direct' hours vs. 'indirect' hours for Missouri's PLPC?

Direct hours are face-to-face counseling with a client (individual or group) conducted in the same room as the client. Minimum 1,200 of your 3,000 hours must be direct. Indirect hours (the remaining 1,800) can include case documentation, treatment planning, consultation, supervision of others, and other approved counseling-related activities within your scope of practice.

Can I be supervised by someone in another state for my Missouri PLPC hours?

Yes, but with restrictions. You may submit supervised experience from another state obtained from a licensed professional counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist if they were licensed during the time of supervision in that state. However, supervision arrangements must still be registered and approved by the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors.

What happens if I can't work 15 hours per week? Can I still get supervised hours?

If you cannot average 15 hours per week, you must notify the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors in writing explaining why. The committee will then determine whether the hours below the 15/week threshold can be accepted for licensure. There's no automatic waiver; each situation is reviewed individually.

How much does it cost to apply for PLPC and LPC licensure in Missouri?

The Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors sets fees by rule, but the exact amounts are not specified in public statutes. Common fees include application for supervision, NCE exam fees (NBCC), Missouri Jurisprudence Exam, background/fingerprinting ($43.05 paid to the vendor), and final LPC application. Contact the Committee directly at (573) 751-0018 or profcounselors@pr.mo.gov for current fee schedules.

What is the difference between a PLPC and a CIT in Missouri?

In Missouri, CIT (Counselor-in-Training) and PLPC (Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor) are related terms. Upon approval for supervised experience, a counselor can hold the title of either CIT or PLPC—both refer to someone in supervised practice before full LPC licensure. A CIT is technically in initial training; a PLPC is a provisional license. Both are governed by the same supervision and hour requirements.

Do I need continuing education while I'm a PLPC?

No. Missouri does not require continuing education for PLPCs or CITs. Continuing education is only required once you become a full LPC. However, you must still complete 2 hours of suicide assessment training as a condition of initial licensure.

CredentialTraxLicensure Compliance

High ComplexityComing SoonProvisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) → Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Missouri PLPC → LPC Supervision Requirements

Everything you need to know about completing your 3,000 supervised hours to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri.

Total Hours

3,000

Calendar Minimum

24 months

Supervision

104

Direct Hours Floor

1,200

Why This State Is Complex

Missouri's LPC pathway is moderately complex due to strict weekly hour requirements (15 hours/week minimum), mandatory 1-hour weekly face-to-face supervision, direct/indirect hour splits, and short calendar window (must complete within 60 months). The requirement to report weeks below 15 hours to the committee adds administrative burden.

Key Requirements at a Glance

Minimum 3,000 total hours of supervised counseling experience (1,200 direct, 1,800 indirect)

Minimum 24 continuous calendar months; must average 15 hours per week

1 hour per week face-to-face supervision (minimum); 2 weeks individual, 2 weeks group per month

Supervisor must be LPC, psychologist, or psychiatrist with active license (not provisional/expired/retired)

Must pass National Counselor Examination (NCE) and Missouri Jurisprudence Exam

Supervisor limited to 3 PLPCs/CITs at any one time

No private practice allowed; must work in approved counseling setting

All hours must be post-degree (after master's conferred)

Background check required; fingerprinting fee $43.05

2 hours suicide assessment training required

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Falling below 15 hours per week and not reporting it to the committee; committee must approve exceptions

Attempting to operate private practice as PLPC (not allowed; must work in approved setting under supervisor)

Failing to track or document the 1 hour per week face-to-face supervision meetings consistently

Using an inactive, provisional, expired, or suspended license supervisor (invalid; must be currently active)

Not maintaining proper supervision agreement documentation signed by all parties

Waiting too long to apply for full LPC licensure; must apply within 30 months of PLPC issuance

Miscounting hours by including work that doesn't qualify as 'direct client contact' (must be face-to-face in same room)

Frequently Asked Questions

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