What does LPC stand for?

LPC stands for Licensed Professional Counselor. Licensed Professional Counselors are mental health professionals who hold a state license to provide counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and groups.

An LPC provides therapy and counseling services to help individuals work through emotional, mental, and behavioral issues. They use evidence-based techniques to support clients in addressing challenges, improving coping skills, and enhancing overall well-being.

What’s the difference between a counselor and a therapist?

The terms counselor and therapist are often used interchangeably. Generally, counselors focus on specific issues or areas of concern, such as career guidance or relationship problems. Therapists typically provide more in-depth, long-term treatment for emotional and mental health issues.

If you are experiencing emotional distress, struggling with mental health issues, facing relationship challenges, or seeking personal growth and self-improvement, seeing an LPC could be incredibly beneficial. They can provide support, guidance, and strategies to help you navigate through difficult times and cultivate a brighter, healthier life.

How much does a therapist cost?

Therapist costs can vary depending on factors such as location, experience level, type of therapy, and payment options. Many therapists offer sliding scale fees based on income or provide therapy through insurance coverage. It's important to discuss fees and payment options with the therapist during your initial consultation to ensure affordability and accessibility to the care you need. Remember, investing in your mental health is a valuable step towards living your brightest life.

What is an LPC and Should You See One?

Deciding to start therapy is a big step toward mental health and wellness, but the space between deciding to start therapy and your first therapy session can be overwhelming. Not only do you have to figure out if your insurance covers mental health counseling (Hint: It probably does! Read our guide here), you have to choose a therapist that works for you.

The best way to know if a therapist is going to be a good fit for you is by reading their bio. When you do, you might encounter some confusing acronyms like LPC, LCSW, LMFT, psychologist, or Psychiatrist.

What are these acronyms?

They’re all types of therapists specializing in a different approach to mental health. Depending on your needs, one might be better than the other.

This article will go over what an LPC is and who should see one.

(If you want to know more about an LCSW, check out this article. You can learn more about psychologists here, and this article is about how a psychiatrist can help.)

What is an LPC?

LPC stands for “Licensed Professional Counselor”. It is a very common title and is interchangeable with therapist or counselor. An LPC conducts talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy. Therapy can be conducted through a variety of different modalities. Although traditional talk therapy is done face-to-face, advancements in technology have allowed virtual therapy, also known as online therapy, to thrive. People can talk to an LPC through video chat, phone calls, text messaging, or face-to-face.

Education Requirements

A Licensed Professional Counselor must go through four steps before getting their license:

Hold a Master's in Counseling.
Have between 2,000-3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience (depending on the state). This supervised clinical experience is usually face-to-face. It doesn’t mean that their supervisor will be in the room doing therapy with them, instead, the therapist will have a supervisor to whom they can take their questions and concerns.
Pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE).
Apply for the LPC license through their state’s licensing board.

They will then be licensed to conduct talk therapy in that state. If they move states, they must reapply to that state's licensing board. It is possible for a therapist to be licensed across many states, as is popular amongst online therapists.

All therapists' licenses will expire, and they will have to reapply to get their licenses. In some states, LPCs must also pursue “continuing education credits” to ensure they are continuing to grow their knowledge and stay up-to-date on the most research-based therapeutic techniques.

All of these measures are put in place to ensure that you are talking to someone who is experienced, educated, and trained to handle your situation and help you with your mental health concerns.

What can an LPC treat?

An LPC is a very versatile license. Many therapists will choose a few disorders to specialize in. You can usually see what these areas are in the “specialties” portion of their bio. Some therapists will choose to pursue further credentials in these specialized areas to provide better treatment for their clients. You can always ask what a therapist’s experience and specialties are, and if they hold any special certificates or training.

An LPC can treat:

Depression
Anxiety disorders (such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder)
Trauma-related disorders (including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Phobias
Eating disorders (such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa)
Bipolar Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder and other Personality Disorders
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Adjustment disorders
Grief and loss issues
Relationship and family issues
Substance abuse and addiction
Self-esteem and body image concerns

Among many others! By working with an LPC, individuals struggling with these disorders can find understanding, support, and guidance towards healing and recovery. Therapy sessions with an LPC can provide a safe space to explore emotions, develop coping strategies, and work towards living a brighter life. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these challenges, reaching out to an LPC can be the first step toward positive change and growth.

Should you see an LPC?

Because an LPC license is so broad, most people who struggle with their mental health will benefit from seeing one. An LPC can also refer you to other specialists, such as a Psychiatrist for medication management, should they feel unfit to handle your concerns.

You should see an LPC if you are struggling with:

Your mental health
Chronic stress
Relationship issues
A difficult life transition
Addiction issues
Self-esteem issues

An LPC can also give you a diagnosis, which you can use to receive medication for certain mental illnesses. Look for a therapist who specializes in "psychological testing” or “evaluation” for this need.

When should you see an LPC

The decision to see a therapist is a brave one. Being vulnerable enough to ask for help and strong enough to make necessary changes in your life is something that should be celebrated. Therapy is for everyone, no matter how big or small your problem may seem. Don’t wait until it is “bad enough” to talk to a therapist.

Any of these reasons could mean it is time to see a therapist:

Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Social withdrawal or isolation
Increased drug and alcohol use
Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Difficulty coping with daily tasks
Intense mood swings or irritability
Unexplained physical ailments
Traumatic life events
Difficulty concentrating
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Remember, seeking help is a brave and proactive step towards your well-being. A therapist can provide support, guidance, and tools to help you navigate through difficult times and work towards a brighter, healthier life.

Lifebulb has online, affordable therapists located throughout the U.S. If you want to talk to an LPC who accepts your insurance, contact our team. We have little to no wait time and over a hundred therapists to choose from.

Don’t wait to start therapy. You deserve a brighter future.

Find Your Therapist