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

Most candidates complete their 2,000 hours in 2-3 years of full-time supervised practice. There is no minimum calendar requirement, but all hours must be completed within 5 years of your Plan of Supervision approval. The speed depends primarily on how quickly you can accumulate 800+ direct client contact hours and 100 supervision hours.

Can I do supervision remotely or via telehealth in South Dakota?

Partially. South Dakota allows up to 50 of your 100 required supervision hours to be conducted via secure video or telephone conferencing. However, at least 50 hours must be face-to-face with your supervisor. Group supervision (up to 6 supervisees) may count for up to 50% of total hours.

Does South Dakota have an associate or provisional license for counselors?

No. Unlike many states, South Dakota does not issue an associate or provisional counselor license. Instead, candidates practice under a Board-approved Plan of Supervision while accumulating hours. You cannot use any counselor title until you receive your LPC.

What happens if I don't finish my hours within 5 years?

Your Plan of Supervision expires after 5 years. You would need to contact the board about options for renewal or reapplication. It is advisable to plan your supervision timeline carefully to avoid running up against this deadline.

Can I get credit for my LPC hours toward the LPC-MH?

Yes, but with conditions. Up to 1,000 of the 2,000 direct client contact hours and up to 50 of the 100 supervision hours from your LPC phase may carry over to the LPC-MH — but only if your LPC supervisor was an LPC-MH. Planning ahead and choosing an LPC-MH as your supervisor from the start can save significant time.

How does the South Dakota LPC compare to neighboring states?

South Dakota's 2,000 total hours requirement is moderate compared to the region. North Dakota requires 2,000 hours as well, while Nebraska requires 3,000. South Dakota is unique in not having a formal associate license title. The NCE-before-supervision requirement is also uncommon — many states allow candidates to take the exam later in the process.

What can I do with an LPC vs. an LPC-MH in South Dakota?

The LPC allows you to provide professional counseling services, but you cannot diagnose mental health conditions or practice independently. The LPC-MH is the full clinical license — it allows diagnosis, independent practice, insurance billing, and the full scope of clinical mental health counseling. Most counselors pursue the LPC-MH as their target license.

CredentialTraxLicensure Compliance

Moderate ComplexityComing SoonPlan of Supervision Candidate → Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

South Dakota Plan of Supervision → LPC Requirements

Everything you need to know about completing your 2,000 supervised hours in South Dakota.

Total Hours

2,000

Calendar Minimum

No minimum (5-year max)

Supervision

100

Direct Hours Floor

800

Why This State Is Complex

South Dakota's LPC path is relatively straightforward — no phases, no buy-back credits, and no associate license title. The main complexity lies in the requirement to pass the NCE before even starting your Plan of Supervision, and the fact that at least 50 of your 100 supervision hours must be face-to-face with your supervisor present.

Key Requirements at a Glance

2,000 total hours of post-graduate supervised professional counseling experience

At least 800 hours must be direct client contact

100 hours of supervision required (minimum 50 face-to-face, max 50% group)

NCE must be passed BEFORE Plan of Supervision can be approved

Plan of Supervision must be Board-approved before any hours count

All hours must be completed within 5 years of Plan of Supervision approval

Supervisor must be a Board Approved Supervisor holding the highest license in their profession

Supervision must include at least 2 of: co-counseling, taped session review, case presentation, or direct observation

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Starting to accumulate hours before your Plan of Supervision is officially approved — zero hours count before that date

Not passing the NCE before applying for the Plan of Supervision — the board will not approve your plan without a passing score on file

Choosing a supervisor who is not Board-approved or does not hold the highest license in their profession

Assuming all 100 supervision hours can be done via telehealth — at least 50 must be face-to-face

Not tracking supervision modalities — you must use at least two different methods (co-counseling, tape review, etc.)

Confusing the LPC with the LPC-MH — the basic LPC does NOT allow you to diagnose or practice independently

Frequently Asked Questions

Stop Tracking South Dakota Hours in Spreadsheets

CredentialTrax automatically validates your hours against South Dakota's specific rules — so you never lose progress to a miscalculation.

Get Started Free