How long does it take to get an LPC-MH in South Dakota?

The minimum timeline is 2 years from your LPC-MH Plan of Supervision approval. If you strategically plan your LPC supervision under an LPC-MH, you can carry over up to 1,000 of the 2,000 direct hours and 50 of the 100 supervision hours, potentially shortening the LPC-MH phase to around 1-2 years after LPC licensure. Total time from starting the LPC Plan of Supervision through LPC-MH completion is typically 4-5 years.

Can I work on LPC and LPC-MH hours simultaneously?

Yes, with caveats. South Dakota allows you to credit hours toward both the LPC and LPC-MH requirements simultaneously, but the hours must meet the higher LPC-MH standards to count for both. This means your supervisor must be an LPC-MH and the work must be direct client contact in a clinical setting.

Can I do supervision remotely for the LPC-MH?

Yes, partially. As with the LPC, up to 50 of the 100 supervision hours may be conducted via secure video or telephone. At least 50 must be face-to-face. Supervision must include at least two modalities from: co-counseling, tape review, case presentation/staffing, and direct observation.

What's the difference in scope between the LPC and LPC-MH?

The LPC-MH is the fully independent clinical license. It adds the authority to diagnose and assess mental and emotional illnesses, provide clinical assessments and treatments, conduct clinical research, and practice independently. The basic LPC cannot diagnose and cannot practice in private independent practice for clinical mental health services.

Do I need to take the NCE again for the LPC-MH?

No. The NCE, which you already passed for the LPC, remains valid. For the LPC-MH you must additionally pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), which is a separate clinical exam consisting of 10 case simulations.

Is the LPC-MH equivalent to an LMHC or LPCC in other states?

Functionally, yes. The South Dakota LPC-MH is the state's terminal independent clinical counseling license, equivalent to what other states call LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor), LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor), or LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor). Interstate portability depends on comparable requirements.

Can the LPC-MH supervise other counselors in South Dakota?

Yes, if the LPC-MH also obtains Board Approved Supervisor status. They must meet additional requirements — either 3 years of licensure, or 1 year of licensure plus 15 hours of supervision training meeting state standards.

CredentialTraxLicensure Compliance

High ComplexityComing SoonLicensed Professional Counselor (LPC) → Licensed Professional Counselor - Mental Health (LPC-MH)

South Dakota LPC → LPC-MH Supervision Requirements

Everything you need to know about completing your 2,000 clinical direct contact hours for the LPC-MH in South Dakota.

Total Hours

2,000

Calendar Minimum

24 months

Supervision

100

Direct Hours Floor

2,000

Why This State Is Complex

The LPC-MH adds significant requirements on top of the LPC: a 60-hour degree (vs. 48), a second national exam (NCMHCE), and 2,000 hours of purely direct client contact in a clinical setting. The carry-over rules — up to 1,000 hours and 50 supervision hours from LPC experience, but only if supervised by an LPC-MH — create strategic planning decisions that affect the total timeline.

Key Requirements at a Glance

Must already hold a valid South Dakota LPC license

Graduate program must be at least 60 semester hours (not the 48 required for LPC)

2,000 hours of direct client contact in a clinical setting (all hours must be direct)

100 hours of supervision (at least 50 face-to-face, max 50% group)

Must pass the NCMHCE exam (in addition to the NCE already passed for LPC)

Minimum 2-year calendar requirement

Separate LPC-MH Plan of Supervision must be Board-approved before hours begin

Up to 1,000 direct hours and 50 supervision hours may carry over from qualifying LPC experience (if supervised by an LPC-MH)

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Having a 48-hour degree that meets LPC requirements but not the LPC-MH's 60-hour minimum — verify your program's total credit hours early

Not planning ahead with supervisor selection — choosing an LPC-MH as your LPC supervisor enables the carry-over of up to 1,000 hours and saves potentially a year

Assuming indirect hours count — the LPC-MH requires ALL 2,000 hours to be direct client contact, unlike the LPC which allows indirect hours

Waiting too long to take the NCMHCE — you can take it during your supervision period, and it must be passed before licensure

Not filing a separate LPC-MH Plan of Supervision — the LPC plan does not automatically convert

Frequently Asked Questions

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