Why I Chose Counseling | How to Become a Licensed Professional Counselor

Why did I choose to become a counselor?
The field of counseling in general is expanding as more people are beginning to treat their mental health just as important as their physical health. If you go to the doctor to treat an injury or wound that is physical related, or you go to the dentist to get your teeth fixed or to fix that toothache, why not go to a licensed therapist/counselor to get your mind right and to heal those wounds from everyday life. Choosing counseling has made me better person by helping others around me and providing resources for people in order to help them achieve goals in life. I am daily reminded of my "why" and that keeps me striving towards my goals and what I want to do with my platform in my journey as I become a LPC. I know so many people that would fit perfectly in the therapist/counselor career path, a lot of people just don't know how to get there. This video provides, why I chose counseling as a profession and how to become a licensed professional counselor for those who are seeking how to get there. I hope this video is beneficial for whoever is watching!
My mission here is to help any current, former or inspiring counselors/therapist who are purpose driven full-time doing what they love as they are making an impact on people through everyday life helping them achieve their goals.
Connect with me through social media
Instagram: ardrancarr?hl=en
QUESTION - What type of counselor do you want to become?
Post in comments section of this video!
Intro (0:00)
Why I'm Becoming a Counselor (0:15)
How to Become a LPC (5:05)
Bachelors (5:15)
Graduate School (5:36)
Master's or Doctoral Degree (6:10)
Practicum & Internship (6:41)
Exit Exam & Licensing Exam (8:52)
Associate/Intern License (9:30)
LPC-A/LPC-I Hours (9:37)
Overview (9:54)
CACREP Accreditation (10:16)
Outro (10:43)
CACREP Accredited Programs: www.cacrep.org/directory/
American Counseling Association: www.counseling.org
--------Cameras and Gear Used To Shoot This Video ------
Camera: shorturl.at/ghtuL (Amazon)
Mic: shorturl.at/lBTW7 (Amazon)

[@ywf11le]

At the end of my first semester of my Clinical Mental Health program, as a black man we definitely need more diversity and men in this field bro. Thanks for the video 🙌🏾

[@carrardran]

Thank you bro!

[@willjb89]

I’m Latino and the dynamics of growing up as child of immigrants is hard to comprehend unless someone has lived it. I agree! We needs all kinds of men and backgrounds in this field. I work in marketing to pay the bills but this is what I want to work for someday.

[@mahoganysoul7195]

💯💯💯💯

[@alexter001122]

We need more men in this career, period.

[@SethTheSpeaker]

@@carrardran I'm interested in pursuing this as a professional for my community. Could we connect?

[@sijadenedd6337]

Lord, it was God sent I found your KZbin. I want to become a Clinical psychologist and get my Psyd. Currently graduating with an undergraduate degree, and now applying for a master's in counseling. Seeing another brother walking on a similar path is a fresh of breath air. It reminds me that Its possible, Blesses you.🙏🏾

[@pestlund]

thank you. I’m in my late 40s and going back to school to become an LMHC. Good presentation 👍🏼

[@Raw4life1103]

Any update?

[@latrellhaithcock]

Our stories line up almost identically! I was a biracial male in a bachelor program full of ladies and I was encouraged to go into the master program because of my value. I just passed my NCE and was approved for my LPC last week!

[@carrardran]

Wow, yesir we are needed we need representatives in all populations. Congrats on passing!

[@SANIA-ko8hh]

​@@carrardran hey , do you have any idea if clinical psychologists can also deal with teenageers ? like i wanna be a clinical psychologist but i want to deal MOST of the time wih teenagers . also , could you plz tell me clinical psychologists are paid more than counselor ones?? Like what is the BASIC DIFFERENCE ?

[@Uncleanwiener1231]

I’m an 18 year old man and psychology has been a recurring passion of mine since I was in the 8th grade I really want to go to school to become a professional therapist but I’m still a little bit skeptical I think this video is finally pushing me to chase this dream

[@pnice964]

My brother I'm in my 2nd semester at this online school trying to be Addiction Counseling. And what said is true I was security guard at a homeless shelter in Dallas. I all the homeless man felt they didn't have a enough male counselor or male case workers. So that's what motivated me to get a degree in Counseling.

[@sarahadams3407]

Hello pnice 96 hope your good and staying safe. Your course caught my attention and appears to be an interesting one. Please do you mind telling me what school offers that cause online I’m interested. Thank you 🙏

[@felicianothorpe8998]

Awesome to hear another male perspective in the field.I am a school male counsellor living in Jamaica.Most of what you said is true about males being in this profession.

[@Brian-ky4xo]

Hey bro, first of all much love and support! I’m currently in my graduate program for my LPCC. It’s a long but fulfilling role. I’m excited to push your notion of “why”. We’re a new generation of counselors. Thank you for your enlightening video brother!

[@stephenbusscher]

Subbed! Considering a career change and didn’t consider those stats! Really encouraging to hear. Good luck on growing the channel and thanks for the help.

[@breathewellcoaching]

Thanks for this conversation, very informative to see why you decided to be a counselor. I’m an exercise physiologist and wellness coach. I’ve been contemplating going back to school to become a mental health counselor in Florida. Right now I teach online breath work, somatic experiencing and wellness but many of my clients need mental health counseling too. Right now I just refer out but I’d love to help more. Going back to school is a bit daunting lol 😆 but it’s always good to hear someone’s personal story, inspiration for being a counselor and perspective, appreciate it! -Coach E

[@christopherstreet6841]

You are absolutely correct that there is a shortage of men especially us Black men in the counseling profession. I am an aspiring Mental health Counselor in New Jersey. Glad I found your page. Blessings to you on your journey in Texas. New subbie here ✌🏽

[@carrardran]

Thank you for the support! 🙏🏽

[@daniliotaloma]

Hey, thank you for this video Adran. Just discovered your video trying to find some help on seeing if counseling really is for me. The lack of male representation within the psychology community is something I've noticed myself being an undergrad, and it's also something I would like to be a part of and improve. I have a lot of respect for you and I appreciate you sharing this knowledge with us!

[@coopgotkickss]

appreciate the video my guy 💯 wishing success in your journey!

[@shenitac.thebeautyinfluenceher]

Awesome video! I literally just graduated from SWU with my Master's in Counseling Psychology and I'm excited to begin my career in human services!

[@deborahaigbedion6323]

In my third semester of my Clinical mental health counseling program🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 never looked backed !! Road to success 🎉🎉 thank you for your videos

[@user-oo8ch7vl1l]

Glad to hear this. I’m Going into the field.

[@RuthieMicaela]

Couldn't agree more! We need more men in the field, especially men of color! In my cohort of 14, only 3 were males. Two of them were black which was awesome but I don't recall any of the other cohorts having better representation than mine, which is saying a lot! My program only required the CPCE to graduate. The NCE is required to apply for an LMHC license. An LPC license occurs after 3k supervised hours under a state board approved supervisor, and they count the hours you did in internship and practicum!

[@TheRussianWookie]

Great video! I’m in my undergrad but will be in my graduate program in 2024. Really looking forward to getting my LPC

[@Rachelbyr13]

This video was very helpful and I enjoyed watching! :) I am about to graduate undergrad with a degree in psych and soc and will continue onto grad school in the Fall 2023 to pursue a clinical mental health counseling degree! I'm watching youtube videos because I am a bit nervous to start the graduate process as I have a long road ahead of me, but it is nice to know that other people recognize it is a very rewarding field! If you ever have time, please make a video on what graduate school was like for you!!! Thanks, love your page!

[@robertsantiagonc]

Congratulations!! Best of luck in the field.

[@ervinthomas5755]

Thanks for sharing. A school counselor for a decade. Going back for mental health therapist! Keep representing.

[@EvaRadio]

i'm proud of you for doing that, its hard to find a male counselor, I'm interested in it myself and for my husband to also do talk therapy but he's more comfortable with a male

[@martincarrasco4991]

Excellent video! I also received my graduate degree in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from TTU. As a black man, I have found that it is important for us to be present for a population that is largely opposed to seeking out therapy because there are not very many minority and male therapists out there to choose from. I have currently completed my direct/indirect supervision internship, and will be applying for full licensure this week! I am excited for the field's future! I currently work as a detention therapist in a juvenile detention setting where I am able to interact daily with young minority males (and females) who struggle with mental health issues that lead them to committing criminal offenses. I'm definitely going to subscribe to your channel. Thanks again!

[@carrardran]

Awesome and congrats! Thank you!

[@mahoganysoul7195]

💯💯💯👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾🔥🔥🔥

[@freshguy54]

So if I want only white therapist to relate with because of my white skin...I'm a racist ..but if you want only black therapist....it's totally normal... I love the hypocrisy. Why the hell does skin color matter?

[@martincarrasco4991]

@@freshguy54 , I shouldn’t even reply to this ignorant comment, but I’ll try my best to enlighten you. When seeking out, or looking for a therapist, I would want to be able to speak to someone who may have the same experiences as I have, has seen the world through my eyes and been seen by the world the same way. It’s not racist to want a therapist to have a more similar perspective as you do. Unfortunately, the way the world works, people of color have not seen, been seen or have experienced the same things that others have because of their skin color. We’re not just talking about today, it’s about access. If you will only see a White counselor because of their white skin, yes, that’s racist. If you refuse to see a black counselor because of their skin color, or because you don’t believe they are capable of offering the same help that a white therapist can, that is racist. If I PREFER a black counselor because of their perspective, that is not racist. I am currently seeing an older, white counselor who happens to be a lesbian woman. Completely on the opposite side of the spectrum from who I am, but I didn’t refuse to see her because of who she is. I hope this made sense…Doc.

[@Suchabibliophile]

Im a music therapist, and I graduated in May with my bachelor's degree. Looked around and there were very little men, and I was the only black male in my program at the time. I was told by professionals that were in the graduate students said that I'm in a very advantageous position because I am a black male

[@freshguy54]

Why does skin color matter?

[@zay4485]

@@freshguy54if you’re not black you wouldn’t get it

[@michaelwilliams376]

Appreciate you young brother!

[@israelmoorer8791]

Invaluable video. Thank you. I’m currently a special education teacher in Texas and I’m also considering Texas Tech for grad school in counseling.

[@carrardran]

Wreck Em'!

[@PrayThenHustle]

Excellent video helped me out a lot !!!!

[@natalietrevino6088]

I’m in Texas too! Houston TX!

[@tiffanytalks9184]

Me too ..trying to see where to start😩

[@Kala_S]

I have an interview for a masters program in clinical mental health counseling on Saturday! I’m excited and nervous. Thank you for sharing this info!

[@carrardran]

Anytime! I hope your interview went well. You are needed and in demand. We need more diversity in the field. 🙏🏽

[@michaelwilliams376]

Excited and nervous brings purpose, you got this Kala

[@ebonytoilesechandler7679]

Thanks for this...

[@vamshimacharla3532]

Congratulations 🎉💐

[@xekeys]

I currently work at an Architect firm but have always felt a call to be in the line of work of directly helping people. It’s not about the money for me anymore I just want to love on and help others. I’m very overwhelmed with all the things I would need to do to become a counselor though. Plus I’m married so it will be financially hard for my wife and I for me to just shift careers suddenly…

[@knowledgeeverything6890]

Starting my grad program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling tomorrow. In one of my classes this coming week I am the only male in a class of 23.

[@eleanaengland6656]

Hey! I just got accepted into a masters in mental health counseling program and I have a couple questions! I was wondering, do you need post-master’s supervised hours after graduating with your masters, in addition to your internship and practicum hours? Also, how long after graduating with your master’s can you take the state licensing exam? Thanks!

[@Jwcounseling]

I’m in graduate school at texas tech for clinical mental health counseling, but I’m curious your thought on doctorate level. I’m interested in getting an edD in community care and traumatology.

[@nataliaranda3931]

What happens if you fail to renew the license and also how often is the license supposed to be renewed ?

[@monetchic]

Is it better to start with a Bachelor's degree in social work or psychology. I am still trying to figure out what to start off with before the Master's

[@PrayThenHustle]

Can you talk about your Practicum and internship hours? For example I work full time in a different industry so I will need to input pto several days to miss work for Practicum ….. curious was Practicum only about 10 hours a week and only morning hours?

[@kassrripples3659]

What’s the difference between a Health Coach and a Counselor? Is a NBC-HWC close in client outcomes ?

[@its_eli]

I'm going to get my masters in this field. Thanks for the inspiration 💯

[@frankmercurio]

Would you mind sharing a reasonable salary/session fee that you’d receive as a counselor who finished their masters (no longer an intern) but is still accruing & working toward their 3000 hours to obtain the LPC? My state refers to this stage as being an LAC (licensed associate counselor)

[@_Godsprincess_]

So can i get a LPC with a masters degree in general psychology or I/o psychology?

[@713flight]

Texas State yeah!

[@taylorclarke7931]

I have a question. When did you start getting pay?? After taking the NCE and finding a job? Or after 3,000 hours?

[@arixrubico]

Currently about to graduate with my bachelor degree in Psychology and minoring in Education. I want to pursue Student Counseling or Christian Counseling. Idk what job I should get while work or plan on getting an LPC… any options?

[@simplymylife3804]

How do I get license from another country ? Please guide me through the steps

[@jannilmezquita1046]

Super informative, thank you for the information. Are you able to touch base on holding your own clinical practice with an LPC? Or is this degree track simply for working under those that can supervise your counseling?

[@carrardran]

Depends on the state you live in - I live in Michigan right now, and I am able to run my own private practice with an associate license. You have to complete 3,000hrs with an associate license in order to become fully licensed - now matter what state you live in.

[@Bell1cross]

It's crazy how the economy tried to trash psychology degrees. Now all kind of money is pouring in to get us back. I'm all for this license by this economy isn't making it easy.

[@obedience2038]

Hi. Thanks for your videos. They are a little bit low the volume

[@rachealutubor8668]

Hello Adran Thanks for your video. Can I get licensure as an LPC with MS in addiction counseling Please advice 🙏

[@isaiahb.7956]

I’m at the beginning of the last year of my CMHC program. Would love if you did a video about the internship experience…..I’m at a private practice located near Philadelphia btw.

[@banneta6673]

Hello Isaiah, congratulations on beginning your internship. I also got my internship site at a private practice near me and I feel nervous but I’m up for the challenge that this last year comes with . Listening to the guy has encouraged me to keep on with the program coz it comes with its challenges…. Let’s do this!! We got it!

[@isaiahb.7956]

@@banneta6673 We got this ‼️👍🏽

[@abbyteeter7863]

Thank you for all of this information… also v handsome 👀🙈(Pardon me while I go replay Radiohead “creep”) That’s aside! I what do you know about someone getting a grad certificate in counseling in Australia and then moving to the USA- do you know much about how international accreditation transfers or a resource I could check out? Thanks in advance

[@Joseph_Global.Inspiration]

Any updates on your craft ?

[@cameronREEFmedia]

Weinbrenner Seminary School has a great LPCC program! No pre Bachelors required

[@hammerking1200]

I'm in my masters program now.

[@Twistedcarlos]

My school has a reputable Psychology program but it is not CACREP accredited , it is WSCUC accredited , is that something I should be worried about?

[@carrardran]

I would not be too worried, I would just check your state licensing board to see if they are accepting people with the WSCUS accreditation.

[@liyahA11]

hi, just seeing your video and i love it. As a nursing student wanting to switch to psychology i found this video helpful. I realized that i wanted to help my patients more mentally than the physical aspect. I am just skeptical because I've been hearing about the degree/career isn't really in demand and the pay isn't good. But i just want to ask if you could offer any advice? thank you

[@carrardran]

Stay on the nursing route! If you have the real estate - take some classes that can qualify you to become a Psychiatric Nurse - Mental Health NP. You will need to take an exam and pass and complete supervision. PSYNP make a ton of money! The traditional mental health counselor route is very competitive right now. The market is flooded in some states that why it’s hard to earn a decent dollar these days.

[@liyahA11]

@@carrardran thank you

[@brianfonseca4283]

Is getting into the MS program with a BA in psychology hard? I heard that the BS is more science than the BA and I’m feeling a lil worried about it.

[@nyesal1]

You’re good. As long as your grades and GRE scores are good.

[@Twistedcarlos]

I got a BA in Psychology and got into a MS psych program recently. I did not need to take the GRE. Just make sure you’re grades are good.

[@menu9261]

I’m so confused I’m in my second year in undergrad and I don’t know what I will do while obtaining my masters degree and I’m not sure if I get licensed in the state I’m in am I just stuck in that state even if I want move away in the future help me out if y’all got answers and do all programs require the gre

[@christopherstreet6841]

I’m not sure what state you are in but in jersey the Gre is not required for the masters in psychology. Check with your state boards and the school you want to go to.

[@carrardran]

The NCE exam will cover you for a lot of states however usually whatever state you take the exam in is the state that you will have to stay in to obtain your post exam clinical hours which is 3,000 to be fully licensed in TX. However, some states have it to where you can convert your license over if they meet similar requirements as the state you originally hold your license in.

[@humnafatimaofficial]

Do we need research experience during undergrad to get into the master's program?

[@carrardran]

No, some programs require research but most do not require it.

[@PINKIV]

So you would practice as a counselor after you get your bachelors degree and then get your masters to be able to do it fully ?

[@carrardran]

Yes, with completion of the masters degree and passing a national counselor exam, or state licensure exam.

[@PINKIV]

@@carrardran thank you ❤️❤️❤️

[@Ric_0100]

I’m worried my GPA is not good enough. What was your graduation GPA ?

[@carrardran]

3.0

[@annee5582]

Thanks for sharing your journey! When I first started college I thought nursing, then I changed to Therapist, but still I felt like something was just off. In truth I was leaning towards becoming a life coach, but I want to finish my school stuff too(I have life experience, just not the degree). I’m now leaning towards LPC. Everything is started to fall into place. ✨ what is your view on life coaches, I’m really interested in being an entrepreneur, actual that’s just my path.

[@MelisJoy]

Honestly, this man just went into excellent detail about these rigorous & demanding credentials to become a profesional, and you ask his opinion on life "coaches". Personally, if you can't answer this question on your own it shows you don't even begin to understand the depth LPC's go (in psych & disorders) I think those without the true education giving life advice is tricky & risky. It depends on the subject. Please do research in both fields extensively & see which one you see yourself doing till you retire.

[@annee5582]

@@MelisJoy 😂 i wouldn’t discredit any Job/profession, with or without a degree. Its like telling a parent, be careful you don’t know anything about children. Or telling a coach be careful you don’t know anything about coaching. Your opinion is welcomed but your perspective is judgmental.

[@flourishingfaith]

Hey.. I have a question.. I'm on the road to becoming a counselor and I'm just now starting I havent gotten my first degree yet which is the BA... and I am trying to become a Christian counselor.. what are your thoughts? I'm not going to lie I feel ... drained almost because im going to school and working FT so many people are saying I dont need the degree :( I can just speak

[@carrardran]

Yes! Faith-based counseling is super important for that population but you can create a double edged sword with the knowledge from psychoeducation and theological faith based practices combined. Okay, so my best advice for this is to go to a college where they offer both or find theological counseling classes to take at another university aside from your counseling degree. For a BA you should start foundational with a Psychology degree. That way you can learn the basics and get a feel of what the master's classes are going to look like. Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, TX offers a curriculum with the theological route for counseling that makes students well equipped for that area while also providing the Clinical Mental Health Wellness curriculum intertwined at the bachelors and masters level. So when students get ready to graduate they will LPC licensure eligible with the emphasis on faith based counseling. Baylor University is also an institute that offers some theological classes at the bachelors level. There are also some certifications out there. If I were you do some research and choose what you think will be the best option, however all and all there are institutes that offer both. Best of luck sis!

[@flourishingfaith]

@@carrardran Thanks for your response! I'm actually in school now at John Brown University here in ARK and I love it lol it is just the weight of both work and school. Very time consuming... I have offered counseling services with the discretion that I am not licensed yet on my website but I've been studying the Word of God in Context for the last 2 years & I'm still learning ! .. I can speak on the subject of the false ideology of Generational curses, tithing, sowing seeds for blessings and Christians being possessed with demons.. and honestly brother I grew so anxious because I feel like I'm so behind but then He comforted me with this revelation... At the rate of this world and the way false doctrines and teachers are spewing out misinformation .. by the time I get my license , I'll have 50 years worth of work.!

[@MelisJoy]

I think working FT & school will lead to burnout. Please prioritize. I wish you well

[@hearmehealme26]

Hi Sis I was on here for same purpose I want to be a Faith based counselor and don’t know where to begin I love his response and was wondering if you have started are did you find out anymore information that might help me begin on my journey 🙏🏾God Bless you All

[@andrewliamdesigndevelopment]

Do you get paid for those in-person hours while in the internship?

[@carrardran]

Depends on which site you do your internship at. There are a lot of sites starting to pay nowadays.

[@stanleypierre5042]

How is the pay. I’m also a black man (22) considering going into the clinical mental health counseling masters program

[@carrardran]

It’s good - depending on how you do it, usually it’s a sliding scale once you get licensed or even partial licensed. In theory you technically make whatever you want. You just have to be versatile and well rounded.

[@davidmorones4927]

Can I have a Bachelor’s in music and still go for a Masters in psychology to become a LPC?

[@christopherstreet6841]

Most masters psychology program are pretty liberal about your bachelors program before applying for your masters so go for it.

[@carrardran]

Yes, therapy in music is a growing field. That is very interesting go for it!

[@webb8846]

After I receive my masters degree in clinical mental health counseling how long does it take to obtain licensure

[@carrardran]

Usually between 1-2 yrs

[@SharadSwaney]

@@carrardran what do you do to make money during that time?

[@carrardran]

@@SharadSwaney Get a paid internship, work a side hustle, look for jobs that are willing to pay well for partial licensure or internship.

[@adupokuandrews9919]

Please can I speak to you please as my counselor

[@ciporaga7496]

I turned day into night, sleep 'til I die a thousand times I could have showed you better nights, better times, better days I miss you more and more If I can't have you let love set you free to fly your pretty wings around Pretty wings, your pretty wings Your pretty wings, your pretty wings around

[@NurseNessey]

Well in todays world, ppl are really paying attention to the behavior of males so to choose them as a counselor at this point is kind of iffy. Blacks are lacking in this field in general.