Counseling Degrees & Licenses in Michigan

“I appreciate that our program is one of the longest-accredited programs in the state, as it reflects our commitment to the development of culturally competent counselors who can work not only in Michigan but across the nation and internationally.”

Quentin Hunter, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Leadership & Counseling, Eastern Michigan University

There is always a need for skilled, compassionate counselors who can provide a support system and recovery plan for people experiencing mental illness. Counselors, no matter their specialty, form a relationship built on trust with their patients so that they can receive the guidance they need to live their best lives.

Counseling education can be broad and encompass all of general mental health. Alternatively, they can be focused on working with specific populations, such as marriage and family life for military veterans and service people or youth with sexual and gender identity issues.

Whatever the focus or specialty, counselors may work with people in crisis and those who need long-term support. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mental illnesses are common in the United States. In 2021, nearly 57.8 million of the national population lived with mild to severe mental illness.

Across the country, women (27.2 percent) were more likely to experience any mental illness than men (18.1 percent). Adults under the age of 25 years (33.7 percent) were more likely to experience any mental illness than adults over 25. There is also a great need for counselors who are experienced in multicultural issues, as the prevalence of any mental illness was highest among the adults who identified as being two or more races (34.9 percent).

According to World Population Review, Michigan is the tenth most populous state in the union, and as of 2023, was continuing to increase in population. A 2019 study conducted by Altarum and funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund reported that millions of Michiganders experience mental illness, but less than two-thirds receive treatment. And only 20 percent of Michiganders with a substance use disorder receive treatment.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides data for long-term career outlooks, and counseling careers are growing faster than most. The base employment for marriage and family therapists was 76,000 in 2023. Those careers are expected to grow by 12,300 nationally between 2023 and 2033. The BLS (2024) also predicts job openings for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors will grow 19 percent nationally from 2022 to 2032. This growth rate is considered to be much faster than the average projected growth for all occupations during the same period (4 percent). The professions listed above all have the highest average growth rate, while others fall more in line with the national projection.

For example, the BLS (2024) career outlook for rehabilitation counselors who help people with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities is a 2 percent growth rate (2023-2033). School and career counselor jobs are expected to increase by 4 percent.

Each state has its own unique set of counseling licensure criteria. Michigan licenses Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). An LLPC, or Limited Licensed Professional Counselor, can be applied to someone at the beginning of a counseling career. Michigan also certifies people with a School Counselor License (SCL), a Michigan Teaching Certificate with the School Counselor (NT) endorsement, or a Marriage and Family Therapist as an MFT. Individuals can also apply for a license to work in a substance use disorder program.

To take the counseling license exam in Michigan, prospective licensees must submit official educational transcripts from an accredited school confirming the completion of a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling. Suppose the school is not accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). In that case, the transcript must show coursework and training meeting the requirements of CACREP, which include coursework not less than 48 semester-hours or 72 quarter-hours in counseling topics. Eligible licensees with a master’s degree must complete 3,000 hours of post-degree counseling work experience within two years.

Read on for a few of the many schools offering programs for counseling degrees and licenses in Michigan.

New York University
Southern New Hampshire University
Walden University

Ask an Expert: Brian Mills, PhD, LCPC

Dr. Brian Mills, originally from rural Kansas, is an associate professor of counseling and the chair of the master of arts in counseling program at Spring Arbor University. He has spent the past 20 years teaching undergraduate and graduate students at faith-based colleges, in clinical practice (inpatient and outpatient), and serving for 11 years as a pastor. He earned his MA in Christian ministry through Friends University. He then went on to earn an MA in religious education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, followed by an MA in marriage and family therapy from the same school. He earned his PhD in counselor education and supervision from Regent University. 

Dr. Mills is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Michigan. His writing and research interests include the intersection of psychology and popular culture and the integration of faith and psychology. In his spare time, he enjoys being a rabid fan of the Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs, working out, and spending time with his wife and daughter.

CounselingSchools.com: What sets this program at Spring Arbor University apart from others in terms of preparing students for counseling careers?

Dr. Mills: We offer tracks in both clinical mental health, which leads to the LPC, and in school counseling, which qualifies the student for endorsement as a school counselor. Students can also elect to do both tracks simultaneously. Among our electives is a block of three courses that fulfill the academic requirements to sit for exams to become a registered play therapist. These can also be taken as a part of non-degree seeking work.

We also offer an accelerated option, wherein a student can complete their bachelor’s in psychology and their master’s in counseling in five years total.

CounselingSchools.com: How does the program support students’ professional development and career placement after graduation?

Dr. Mills: Our faculty work hard to develop mentor relationships with students and many remain in contact after graduation, offering support, guidance, and encouragement to graduates. Our academic support staff work with students to help with getting documentation in place for licensure exams as well as facilitating recommendation and verification processes for employment. We also have a Facebook group where we post job openings and internship opportunities as they become available. 

Ask an Expert: Quentin Hunter, PhD, LPC, NCC

Dr. Quentin Hunter is an assistant professor in the Department of Leadership & Counseling at Eastern Michigan University. He is the current president of the Kentucky Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development, a past president of the Kentucky Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities, and associate editor for the Journal of Counseling and Development and the International Journal for the Advancement of Counseling

Dr. Hunter began practice as a professional counselor in 2015 and has worked in academia since 2018. He has multiple publications, including peer-reviewed manuscripts, book chapters, and edited books. His counseling experience includes work with individuals across the life span in hospital, community counseling, school, and private practice settings.

CounselingSchools.com: What drew you to a career in counseling and this program at Eastern Michigan University specifically?

Dr. Hunter: I knew I wanted to help others since my undergraduate work at a women’s outreach center. Going into counseling was the quickest way for me to gain professional-level skills and knowledge to begin doing the work I wanted to do. 

As a faculty member at Eastern Michigan University, I appreciate that we have clinics both on campus and out in local schools where community members can receive services. All students in our program get a unique, immersive practicum experience as a result. I also appreciate that our program is one of the longest-accredited programs in the state, as it reflects our commitment to the development of culturally competent counselors who can work not only in Michigan but across the nation and internationally.

CounselingSchools.com: How are students evaluated and assessed throughout the counseling program at Eastern Michigan?

Dr. Hunter: Students complete work in basic skills and other core elements of counseling as part of their courses. For each course, students are evaluated by their instructor on the attitudes, skills, and knowledge related to professional counseling. Every semester, the faculty meets to review each student on their progress and recommend them for continuation in the program or remediation. In these student review meetings, the faculty considers the student’s professional disposition, skills, and content knowledge. 

Additionally, before students can begin their practicum, they must pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE). The CPCE is a nationally recognized exam used to evaluate students’ understanding of the foundational concepts of counseling before they begin working with clients and students. In their final clinical experiences, the practicum and internship, students are also evaluated by their site supervisors on their ability to translate coursework into clinical practice. 

Accredited Counseling Degree Programs in Michigan

Andrews University – College of Education

Andrews University is a private Seventh-day Adventist university in Berrien Springs, Michigan, just two hours from Chicago. They offer a master of arts in clinical mental health counseling or in school counseling through the College of Education. Both are in-person, on-campus degrees. These programs aim to prepare professional counselors who are creative, ethical leaders, self-reflective practitioners, and lifelong learners prepared to work in a multicultural, global community.

The clinical mental health counseling program is 60 credits and can be completed by a full-time student in two years. The 60-credit school counseling program prepares students to work in elementary and secondary schools. All students in both programs complete their master’s practicum at the Andrews Community Counseling Center. Students entering either program are encouraged to conduct research beginning their first year. Both programs include a one-year 600-hour internship.

The curriculum includes courses such as professional ethics for counselors & psychologists; theories and techniques of counseling; group process; professional issues in school counseling; multicultural issues for counselors & psychologists; counseling and therapeutic interventions for adults; and marital counseling.

  • Location: Berrien Springs, Michigan
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges, and Universities; Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 60 credits; two years, full-time

Western Michigan University – Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology

Through the College of Education and Human Development’s Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, Western Michigan University offers several CACREP-accredited master of arts degrees in counseling. These include clinical mental health counseling; counseling psychology; marriage, couple and family counseling; rehabilitation counseling; and school counseling. The rehabilitation counseling program is temporarily suspended as of June 2023. There is also a master of arts program in counseling psychology.

The school also offers a counseling psychology master of arts degree. Starting in the fall of 2020, the school also began offering counseling psychology and school counseling graduate certificates. While the program is offered in-person in Kalamazoo, there are some courses that are offered online.

Comprising 60 to 61 credits, the program includes courses such as group dynamics & procedures; counseling techniques; professional issues and ethics; multicultural counseling; counseling & lifespan development; theories of counseling; psycho-educational consultation; foundations of clinical mental health; foundations of systemic family therapy; and foundations of school counseling.

  • Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Clinical mental health counseling (60 credits); marriage, couple, and family counseling (61 credits); school counseling (61 credits); counseling psychology (48 credits); two to three years

Eastern Michigan University – College of Education

Eastern Michigan University offers three CACREP-accredited professional counseling graduate programs. These include a master of arts in clinical mental health counseling program, a master of arts in college counseling program, and a master of arts in school counseling program. In addition, EMU also offers four certificate programs. These include a post-master’s certificate in clinical mental health counseling, a post-master’s certificate in school counseling, a graduate certificate in helping interventions in a multicultural society (HIMS), and a postsecondary planning specialist certificate for school counselors.

The curriculum includes courses such as dynamics of life development; counseling research; theories of counseling; crisis intervention; assessment in counseling; career counseling and development; cross-cultural counseling; and diagnosis and treatment planning in counseling.

  • Location: Ypsilanti, Michigan
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Clinical mental health counseling MA (60 credits); college counseling MA (60 credits); school counseling MA (60 credits); clinical mental health counseling certificate (13 credit minimum); school counseling certificate (14 to 30 credits); helping interventions in a multicultural society certificate (12-15 credits); two to three years

Michigan State University – College of Education

U.S. News and World Report (2023) ranked Michigan State University’s rehabilitation counseling program at No. 2 in the United States. Michigan State University offers a CACREP-accredited master of arts in rehabilitation counseling program. This master’s program prepares counselors to work with people who have disabilities in a variety of settings.

Each student in the rehabilitation counseling program is assigned an advisor who will help orient the student to the university and provide support throughout the program, including identifying opportunities for practicum and internship. Graduates of this program will be eligible to sit for the National Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) examination and apply for Limited Licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in Michigan.

The curriculum includes courses such as counseling theories; individual counseling and helping relationships; career counseling; group counseling & group work; theories of human development; medical aspects of disability; foundations of rehabilitation counseling; cognitive & psychological aspects of disability; and counseling ethics.

  • Location: Lansing, Michigan
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 60 credits; 2.5 to 3.5 years

Oakland University – School of Education and Human Services

Oakland University is a public institution established in 1957. It is a satellite school of Michigan State University. OU offers two master’s counseling programs: a master of arts in clinical mental health counseling and a master of arts in school counseling. Accommodating both part-time and full-time students, The department of counseling offers these master of arts in counseling degrees for students who wish to work in professional counseling roles with youth, children, families, and adults in community and school settings.

The clinical mental health counseling program and school counseling programs are both made up of 60 credits. Courses include introduction to counseling and ethics; diversity and social justice issues; clinical counseling skills; theories of counseling and psychotherapy; individual and family development; testing and assessment in counseling; career development theory and practice; research in counseling. For those obtaining their degree in school counseling, three courses can be added to make them eligible for LLPC licensure (Limited Licensed Professional Counselor).

  • Location: Rochester, Michigan
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 60 credits; two to three years

Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor University is a private Free Methodist-affiliated university in Spring Arbor, Michigan. It is the second-largest evangelical Christian university in Michigan. In 2023, the U.S. News & World Report ranked SAU as one of the top Regional Universities for the 15th consecutive year. Additionally, SAU also received 2023 awards from the U.S. News in Best Colleges for Veterans and Top Performers on Social Mobility.

Spring Arbor offers a master of arts in counseling, allowing students to choose between clinical mental health, school counseling, or dual track. Dual-track students will complete a 600-hour internship in both clinical mental health and school counseling settings, which will lengthen the program by approximately six months. The master’s in counseling program is offered at several extension sites across Michigan and in a virtual classroom via Zoom. The virtual classroom option combines online learning with face-to-face interaction.

The curriculum includes courses such as legal issues and ethics in counseling; career counseling; crisis intervention; social and cultural diversity; advanced clinical psychopathology and abnormal behavior; introduction to classroom dynamics; mental health within the schools; and introduction to counseling: the counselor and diversity.

  • Location: Spring Arbor, Michigan
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 61 credits (minimum for all programs, though school counseling may require additional courses); dual-track (72 or 75 credits, depending on whether student holds a teaching certificate); two to three years

University of Detroit  – College of Liberal Arts & Education

The University of Detroit Mercy is a private, Roman Catholic university, sponsored by both the Society of Jesus and the Religious Sisters of Mercy. Founded in 1877, it is the largest Catholic university in Michigan. They cap enrollment in the graduate counseling program at 56 students with an average class size of 14 so that each student gets individualized attention throughout their degree.

The program boasts high marks, including a 100 job placement rate within 30 days of graduation from any of the master of arts in counseling programs. The program grew from a pastoral counseling program, and today students can choose from a master of arts with a major in addiction counseling, clinical mental health counseling, or school counseling. In addition, the counseling program offers a post-graduate certificate in school counseling.

The major in addiction counseling comprises 60 credits and provides students with specialized training in the assessment, treatment, and prevention of addictive disorders. Courses include trauma, crisis, and prevention; addiction counseling: advanced issues in practice and evaluation; introduction to addiction: process and substance; and drugs and behavior.

The 60-credit major in clinical mental health counseling offers training to students who are interested in becoming master’s-level clinicians across various settings, including human service organizations, outpatient clinics, healthcare systems, psychiatric facilities, and public systems. Courses include mental health diagnosis and treatment; critical issues in clinical mental health counseling; and advanced issues in assessment and treatment.

The school counseling major comprises 60 credits and prepares both non-teachers and certified teachers to work in K-12 educational settings as guidance or school counselors. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible for both credentialing as a school counselor and professional licensure as a counselor in Michigan. After completing 39 credit hours and passing the Michigan Guidance Counselor Test, students can become eligible to begin employment as a school counselor through the Preliminary Employment program. The vast majority of school counseling students are employed as school counselors prior to graduation through this avenue. Courses include school counseling: strategies and interventions; school counseling: mental health and consultation in schools; the school counselor and special education; and multicultural counseling.

  • Location: Detroit, Michigan
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 60 credits

Wayne State University – College of Education

Located right in Detroit, Wayne State University is Michigan’s most diverse campus. Wayne State’s master of arts in counseling has four concentrations: clinical mental health, school counseling, rehabilitation counseling, and art therapy. The university also offers a combined clinical rehabilitation and school counseling concentration and a combined school counseling and clinical mental health counseling concentration. Applicants are required to have completed 12 to 15 credits of psychology, counseling, social work, sociology, or another related human services field prior to being admitted. 

Students completing the 68-credit art therapy concentration can move forward to work as professional counselors and visual art therapists, working with individuals of all ages and abilities in clinical, educational, rehabilitative, and studio settings. Art therapy students must have a background in studio art.

Students completing the 60-credit clinical mental health counseling concentration are employed in private and public mental health settings, youth service bureaus, employment agencies, employee assistance programs, human resource development agencies, post-secondary educational settings, hospice organizations, welfare departments, correctional institutions, religious institutions, and local community service agencies. 

The 62-credit clinical rehabilitation counseling concentration prepares graduates to work in rehabilitation settings, such as the veterans’ administration. The 62-credit school counseling concentration prepares graduates to work in K-12 public or private school settings.

The combined clinical rehabilitation and school counseling concentration is a total of 77 credits, while the combined school counseling and clinical mental health counseling concentration is 71 credits.

The curriculum includes courses such as counseling theories, philosophies, and techniques; testing and assessment for counselors; professional counseling laws and ethics; psychopathology and diagnosis; career development and employment strategies; foundations of rehabilitation counseling; introduction to school counseling, consulting, and collaboration; and psychosocial aspects of disability.

  • Location: Detroit, Michigan
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Art therapy (68 credits); clinical mental health counseling (60 credits); school counseling (62 credits); clinical rehabilitation counseling (62 credits); combined clinical rehabilitation and school counseling (77 credits); combined school counseling and clinical mental health counseling (71 credits); two to three years

How Much Do Counselors Make in Michigan?

These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2023—the latest data available as of October 2024.

Marriage and Family Therapist Salaries

United StatesMichigan
Number employed63,340610
Average annual salary (mean)$68,730$52,810
10th percentile$39,090$31,550
25th percentile$45,250$40,540
50th percentile (median)$58,510$49,060
75th percentile$78,440$60,210
90th percentile$104,710$75,560

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor Salaries

United StatesMichigan
Number employed397,8809,110
Average annual salary (mean)$60,080$57,560
10th percentile$36,700$36,220
25th percentile$44,600$39,310
50th percentile (median)$53,710$56,160
75th percentile$70,130$66,500
90th percentile$89,920$82,540

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor and Advisor Salaries

United StatesMichigan
Number employed327,6607,690
Average annual salary (mean)$66,990$60,790
10th percentile$40,140$38,770
25th percentile$48,760$47,340
50th percentile (median)$61,710$58,670
75th percentile$78,780$73,720
90th percentile$100,050$86,550

Rehabilitation Counselor Salaries

United StatesMichigan
Number employed84,7504,050
Average annual salary (mean)$48,430$45,250
10th percentile$31,390$30,610
25th percentile$36,440$35,780
50th percentile (median)$44,040$39,590
75th percentile$56,610$49,360
90th percentile$73,710$67,600

All Other Counselors

United StatesMichigan
Number employed35,580200
Average annual salary (mean)$52,360$49,780
10th percentile$33,300$34,980
25th percentile$38,890$36,390
50th percentile (median)$46,130$49,210
75th percentile$59,340$59,060
90th percentile$79,880$71,700

Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) Licenses in Michigan: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements
Michigan Board Of Counseling

Professional counselors in Michigan can earn a Licensed Professional
Counselor (LPC) or a 
Limited Licensed
Professional Counselor
(LLPC) license.

To earn an LLPC, candidates must:


  • Complete a CACREP accredited master’s degree program of at least 48 semester-hours and include a 600-hour internship

  • Submit a Professional Disclosure Statement

  • Pay the $86.45 application fee

To become an LPC, candidates must meet LLPC requirements in addition to:


  • Providing a passing NCE or CRCC score

  • Completing 3,000 hours of post-degree counseling experience to be completed no less than two years. 100 hours must be completed under direct physical supervision. Thirty semester-credits or 45 quarter-credits of graduate coursework in counseling beyond those required for a master’s may substitute for 1,500 hours of work experience.

  • Pay $279.05

Michigan requires counselors to renew their licenses every three years. Those holding a limited license must renew annually. Renewals may be completed online and must be accompanied by a $198.45 fee.

There are no continuing education requirements, although professionals are expected to maintain their competency in their field. 

School Counseling Licenses in Michigan

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements
Michigan Department of Education

The Michigan Department of Education issues School Counselor Licenses (SCL). The requirements for this license are:

  • Complete 30 graduate-level semester hours in an approved school counselor education program or a program
  • Pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) School Counselor examination
  • Complete a 600-hour school counselor internship, with at least half of the hours in a school setting
  • Submit a completed application
  • Pay $160 application fee
  • Pass a background check

Teachers who hold a current Michigan Teaching Certificate can apply for a School Counselor (NT) endorsement when they meet the above requirements.

The SCL license and NT endorsement are valid for five years and cost $160 to renew.

Also, 150 hours of Education-Related Professional Learning are required for renewal. Of those 150, 50 hours must be specific to college and career preparation.

Substance Abuse Counseling Licenses in Michigan

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements
Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP)

The Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP) issues Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certifications.

CADC certificate candidates must:

  • Submit a completed application
  • Pass the IC&RC ADC exam
  • Sign the MCBAP Counselor Code of Ethical Standards
  • Pay $150 application fee
  • Complete 300 hours of training and education; 180 must be in substance use disorders and the remaining 120 may be related to the alcohol and drug counselor domains from the IC&RC (at least six hours must be in ethics and be face-to-face)
  • Complete 300 hours of direct supervision in substance use disorder services
  • Complete 6,000 hours of work experience in counseling substance use disorder clients

An associate degree in social science or human service field will waive 1,000 hours, and a bachelor’s will waive 2,000 hours.

CADC certificate candidates must:

  • Submit a completed application
  • Pass the IC&RC AADC exam
  • Sign the MCBAP Counselor Code of Ethical Standards
  • Pay $150 application fee
  • Complete 186 hours of training and education in substance use disorders; six hours must be in ethics and be face-to-face
  • Have a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing, counseling, addiction science, psychology, social work, or marriage and family therapy, with a clinical application from an accredited institution
  • Complete 100 hours of direct supervision in substance use disorder services (25 hours in each of the four domains from the IC&RC)
  • Complete 2,000 hours of post-graduate work experience counseling substance use disorder clients.

MCBAP requires CAADC and CADC certificate holders to renew every two years. Renewals cost $145.

At the time of renewal, counselors must submit proof of 40 hours of continuing education, with 20 of those hours being substance use disorder-specific.

Rehabilitation Counseling Licenses in Michigan

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements

Michigan Board Of Counseling

Rehabilitation counselors in Michigan can earn a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) license.

To earn an LLPC, candidates must:

  • Complete a CACREP accredited master’s degree program of at least 48 semester hours and include a 600-hour internship
  • Submit a Professional Disclosure Statement
  • Pay the $91.85 application fee

To become an LPC, candidates must meet LLPC requirements in addition to:

  • Providing a passing NCE or CRCC score
  • Completing 3,000 hours of post-degree counseling experience to be completed no less than two years. 100 hours must be completed under direct physical supervision. Thirty semester credits or 45 quarter credits of graduate coursework in counseling beyond those required for a master’s may substitute for 1,500 hours of work experience.

Michigan requires counselors to renew their licenses every three years. Those holding a limited license must renew annually. Renewals may be completed online and must be accompanied by a $118.90 fee for full therapist and $59.45 for limited licenses.

There are no continuing education requirements, although professionals are expected to maintain their competency in their field.

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Licenses in Michigan

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Board of Behavior Analysts

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Board of Behavior issues Assistant Behavior Analyst and Behavior Analyst licenses.

Requirements for an Assistant Behavior Analyst license are:


  • Complete an online application

  • Pay the $452.40 application and four-year license fee

  • Complete a criminal background check

  • Complete human trafficking continuing education that meets Board requirements

  • Answer the good moral character and sex offender questions on the application

  • Provide verification of a BCaBA certification

  • Supply verification of supervision

  • Complete of 2 hours of implicit bias training within the last 5 years


Requirements for a Behavior Analyst license are:


  • Complete an online application

  • Pay the $452.40 application and four-year license fee

  • Complete a criminal background check

  • Complete human trafficking continuing education that meets Board requirements

  • Answer the good moral character and sex offender questions

  • Provide verification of a BCBA certificate

  • Complete of 2 hours of implicit bias training within the last 5 years


All behavior analyst licenses in Michigan must be renewed every four years. Renewals cost $374.40.

While there are no continuing education requirements, applicants for renewal must maintain BACB certification which has continuing education requirements.

Marriage and Family Therapy Licenses in Michigan

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements
Michigan Board Of Marriage And Family Therapy

The Michigan Board Of Marriage And Family Therapy credentials Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT).

To earn an LMFT credential, candidates must:

  • Complete a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from a COAMFTE-accredited program (or a regionally accredited program, which meets coursework requirements; the program must include an eight-month practicum with at least 300 hours of direct client contact)
  • Submit a Professional Disclosure Statement
  • Pay a $151.30 application fee
  • Pass the AMFTRB exam
  • Complete 1,000 hours of post-degree counseling experience
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Complete human trafficking training

Limited licenses (LLMFT) are issued to candidates who have met all the LMFT requirements but have not completed their supervised work experience.

Michigan requires marriage and family therapists to renew their licenses every two years. Those holding a limited license must renew annually. Renewals may be completed online and must be accompanied by a $171.30 fee.

There are no continuing education requirements, although professionals are expected to maintain their competency in their field.

Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapy Licenses in Michigan

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements
Michigan Board Of Counseling

Child therapists in Michigan can earn a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) license.

To earn an LLPC, candidates must:


  • Complete a CACREP accredited master’s degree program of at least 48 semester-hours and include a 600-hour internship. After July 1st 2023 this requirement increases to 60 semester-hours.

  • Submit a Professional Disclosure Statement

  • Pay the $91.85 application fee

To become an LPC, candidates must meet LLPC requirements in addition to:


  • Providing a passing NCE or CRCC score

  • Completing 3,000 hours of post-degree counseling experience to be completed no less than two years. 100 hours must be completed under direct physical supervision. Thirty semester-credits or 45 quarter-credits of graduate coursework in counseling beyond those required for a master’s may substitute for 1,500 hours of work experience

  • ​​Complete training in identifying victims of human trafficking that meets the standards in the administrative rules

Michigan requires counselors to renew their licenses every three years. Those holding a limited license must renew annually. Renewals may be completed online and must be accompanied by a $194.55 fee for full therapist and $27.00 for limited licenses.

There are no continuing education requirements, although professionals are expected to maintain their competency in their field.

Counseling Professional Associations & Resources in Michigan

  • Michigan Counseling Association (MCA) 
  • Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association (MMHCA) 
  • Michigan School Counselor Association (MSCA)
  • West Michigan Counseling Association (WMCA)
  • Michigan Board of Counseling
Vanessa Salvia

Vanessa Salvia

Writer

Vanessa Salvia is an Oregon-based freelance writer and editor with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. As fun as rigorous studies in math and science were, Vanessa took an independent path and developed a prolific career covering lifestyle and healthcare topics for magazines and newspapers, important industries such as concrete construction and building waterproofing, and even hard science. You can get in touch at Sage Media and Marketing.

Counseling Schools & Licensure in Nearby States