2026 How to Become a Licensed Counselor (LPC) in North Dakota

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in North Dakota is a structured graduate-level path that requires the right counseling degree, supervised clinical experience, state approval, and ongoing continuing education. The decision matters because the degree you choose can affect whether you qualify for licensure, how quickly you move from supervised practice to independent practice, and which counseling roles you can pursue in mental health, addiction treatment, schools, rehabilitation, or private practice.

This guide is for students comparing counseling master’s programs, career changers considering mental health counseling, and associate-level counselors preparing for full licensure in North Dakota. It explains the state’s education and supervision rules, application and renewal steps, career options, program choices, common mistakes, and practical questions to ask before enrolling. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) specialize in talk therapy and do not have prescription authority or advanced therapeutic privileges reserved for other licensed professions. In 2026, North Dakota LPCs earned an average salary of $76,092 per year, while the Psychologists, Social Workers & Marriage Counselors industry in the state generated $96.4m in market size.

In North Dakota, a licensed counselor may provide mental health counseling and psychotherapy to the public for a fee without ongoing supervision, once the state grants the appropriate license. That independent practice authority comes with responsibility: counselors must demonstrate graduate-level training, supervised experience, ethical judgment, and professional competence when serving individuals, groups, organizations, and communities.

At Research.com, we reviewed the licensing path overseen by the North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners and organized the requirements into a practical, decision-focused guide. You will also find North Dakota counseling degree options that align with licensure preparation for 2026, along with guidance for evaluating whether a master’s program fits your goals. If you are still exploring psychology and counseling education timelines, you may also want to review how long a psychology degree takes.

Quick Answer: How do you become a licensed counselor in North Dakota?

To become a licensed counselor in North Dakota, you generally need a 60-credit master’s degree in counseling from a regionally accredited institution, at least 700 hours of practicum or internship experience during the degree, Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) supervised practice, direct client therapy hours, and post-master’s supervised clinical counseling experience before qualifying for LPC status. LPCs must renew their license every two years and complete 40 hours of continuing education during each renewal period.

North Dakota Counselor Licensure Requirements Table of Contents

1. Overview of the Counseling Industry in North Dakota
2. Educational Requirements for a Licensed Counselor in North Dakota
3. North Dakota Licensure Application and Renewal Process
4. List of Top Counselor Programs in North Dakota for 2026
5. Career Opportunities and Specializations for Licensed Counselors in North Dakota
6. How can professional associations enhance my counseling practice in North Dakota?
7. How can advanced education elevate my counseling practice in North Dakota?
8. What financial aid and scholarship options can support counseling education in North Dakota?
9. How can I specialize in substance abuse counseling in North Dakota?
10. What steps should I take to become a licensed counselor in North Dakota?
11. How can I transition into school counseling in North Dakota?
12. How do ethical and legal standards impact counseling practice in North Dakota?
13. Is a Master's in Counseling Worth It in North Dakota?
14. How does counseling differ from social work in North Dakota?
15. How can integrating behavior analysis enhance my counseling practice in North Dakota?
16. How can I expedite the licensure process in North Dakota?

Overview of the Counseling Industry in North Dakota

North Dakota’s counseling workforce includes professionals who support mental health, addiction recovery, academic planning, career development, family systems, and behavioral health needs. Demand differs by specialty, so students should compare their intended counseling track with state workforce trends before choosing a degree concentration.

Educational, guidance, school, and vocational counseling roles in North Dakota are projected to grow by 10%, with an estimated 660 job openings by 2030. These positions are most relevant to students interested in school systems, student development, academic advising, career counseling, and vocational guidance.

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counseling roles show a stronger projected increase, with job positions expected to rise by 19.5% through 2030 and total openings projected to reach 920 by 2030. This trend is especially important for students considering clinical mental health counseling, addiction counseling, community treatment, or integrated behavioral health roles.

Salary data should be interpreted carefully because different sources, job titles, experience levels, and employer types produce different figures. As of May 14, 2025, the average annual salary for a licensed counselor in North Dakota was $78,142, with reported pay ranging from $47,984 to $127,249 (Indeed, 2025). Another salary snapshot in this guide lists an average annual salary of $71,359, with a minimum of $43,822 and a maximum of $116,198. Treat these figures as planning references, not guaranteed earnings.

These labor market figures are most relevant to people pursuing counseling, therapy, and psychology degrees, but the exact career outcome depends on licensure level, specialization, employer, supervision status, and geographic location within North Dakota.

Educational Requirements for a Licensed Counselor in North Dakota

The North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners (NDBCE) sets the education and supervision standards for counselor licensure. Before enrolling, confirm that the program you choose satisfies North Dakota’s academic requirements, not just general graduate admission standards.

The main educational and supervised training requirements include the following:

Master’s Degree in Counseling

Applicants must complete a 60-credit master’s degree in counseling from a regionally accredited institution. The degree should cover counseling theory, assessment, ethics, human development, diagnosis, helping relationships, group work, research, and professional practice. Students should request a course-by-course licensure review from the program before enrolling if they plan to practice in North Dakota.

Practicum or Internship Experience

The graduate program must include at least 700 hours of practicum or internship experience. This applies whether the student completes a campus program or considers options such as master’s in psychology online programs. Field placement quality matters: students should ask where placements occur, who supervises them, how client-contact hours are tracked, and whether the site aligns with their preferred specialization.

Direct Supervision During the LAPC Period

Before reaching LPC status, candidates complete a two-year Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) period. This stage includes 100 hours of direct supervision, and 60 of those hours must be individual, face-to-face supervision. The purpose is not just administrative oversight; supervision helps new counselors strengthen clinical judgment, case conceptualization, ethical reasoning, and treatment planning.

Direct Therapy Experience With Clients

During the LAPC stage, candidates must complete at least 800 hours of direct therapy experience with clients, including a minimum of 400 hours per year of client contact. Candidates should keep accurate records from the beginning because incomplete logs, unclear supervisor documentation, or unverified client-contact hours can slow the application process.

Post-Master’s Supervised Clinical Counseling Experience

After the LAPC phase, applicants must complete two years or 3,000 hours of post-master’s supervised clinical counseling experience to qualify for LPC licensure. This requirement is designed to ensure that counselors have applied graduate training in real clinical settings before practicing independently.

Continuing Education

Licensed Professional Counselors in North Dakota must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years. At least three hours must focus primarily on ethics, and no more than 15 hours may come from self-study or online courses. Continuing education is more than a renewal checklist; it is a way to stay current on ethics, evidence-based interventions, risk management, trauma-informed care, telehealth, and emerging client needs.

North Dakota Licensure Application and Renewal Process

North Dakota uses a staged approach to counselor licensure. The process typically begins with graduate education, continues through associate-level supervised practice, and leads to independent LPC practice after the state verifies the required experience and documentation.

Licensure Application Process

1. Initial Application for Licensure: Applicants submit the state application, a $150 non-refundable application fee, and a transcript showing completion of a master’s degree in counseling.
2. LAPC to LPC Application: Candidates use this step when moving from Licensed Associate Professional Counselor status to Licensed Professional Counselor status. Individuals applying for North Dakota licensure for the first time must use the application listed on the LAPC page, even if they already hold a license in another state.
3. Reciprocity Application: Counselors with a current license in another state may apply through reciprocity. Applicants submit the reciprocity application, a $150 non-refundable application fee, and a copy of their current license.

Licensure Renewal Process

1. LPC Renewal Form: A licensed counselor in North Dakota must renew the license every two years. This also applies to professionals comparing adjacent paths such as counseling or social work degrees. Renewal requires the renewal form, renewal fee, and proof of 40 hours of continuing education completed within the previous two years.
2. Reciprocity Renewal: LPCs licensed in another state may renew through reciprocity by submitting the reciprocity renewal form, renewal fee, and proof of 40 hours of continuing education from the prior two years.

List of Top Counselor Programs in North Dakota for 2026

The following North Dakota programs may help aspiring counselors meet graduate education expectations for licensure. Program fit depends on your intended specialty, delivery format, cost, accreditation, field placement support, and whether the curriculum matches the requirements of the North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners. Always verify current tuition, curriculum, accreditation status, and licensure alignment directly with the school before enrolling.

University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers a Master of Arts in Counseling built for students preparing for professional counseling practice. The program includes applied training through the Northern Prairie Community Clinic, exposure to scholarship in the field, and instruction from faculty with varied counseling expertise.

1. Program Length: Two to three years
2. Tracks/Concentrations: Addiction Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling
3. Required Number of Credits to Graduate: 60
4. Cost per Credit: $545 (in-state), $1,065 (out-of-state)
5. Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

University of Mary

The University of Mary offers an MS in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling focus. The program is designed to prepare students for counseling roles that involve helping clients address mental health concerns and life challenges.

Students can pursue blended coursework for added flexibility and choose from emphasis areas such as Addictions, Child and Adolescent Counseling, Community Mental Health, and Rehabilitation. The program also includes a concentration in Catholic anthropology, which may appeal to students looking for a counseling education shaped by that perspective.

1. Program Length: Two to three years
2. Tracks/Concentrations: Addiction Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling
3. Required Number of Credits to Graduate: 60
4. Cost per Credit: $600
5. Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University offers an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for students preparing to work in community mental health agencies, higher education settings, public and private behavioral health organizations, and treatment centers.

The curriculum includes topics such as Professional Orientation, Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling, Psychopathology and Diagnosis for Counselors, and Advanced Clinical Assessment. Students complete applied training through 100 hours of practicum and 900 hours of internship in community counseling environments.

1. Program Length: Two to three years
2. Tracks/Concentrations: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
3. Required Number of Credits to Graduate: 60
4. Cost per Credit: $389 (in-state), $1,042 (out-of-state)
5. Accreditation: CACREP

Minot State University

Minot State University offers an MS in Counseling with an addiction counseling focus. The program emphasizes practical preparation in the physiological effects of drug use, addiction dynamics, assessment, and treatment approaches. Graduates are eligible for the national licensure exam and can prepare to assess and treat substance use disorders while supporting clients and families through recovery.

Minot State University also provides counseling services throughout the year and frames the program around students’ personal and educational development.

1. Program Length: Two to three years
2. Tracks/Concentrations: Addiction Counseling
3. Required Number of Credits to Graduate: 60
4. Cost per Credit: $329 (in-state), $658 (out-of-state)
5. Accreditation: CACREP

Career Opportunities and Specializations for Licensed Counselors in North Dakota

LPCs in North Dakota can build careers in clinical care, addiction treatment, education, rehabilitation, family services, crisis response, and community mental health. The best specialization depends on the clients you want to serve, the setting you prefer, and the credentials required for that role.

Mental Health and Clinical Counseling

Clinical mental health counselors work with clients experiencing concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, adjustment issues, and relationship difficulties. Common employers include community mental health centers, hospitals, outpatient clinics, nonprofit agencies, and private practices.

Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling

Addiction counseling may be a strong fit for students interested in recovery services, rehabilitation centers, outpatient treatment, integrated care, and family support. Counselors in this area help clients understand substance use patterns, build relapse-prevention strategies, and connect treatment goals with long-term recovery supports.

School and Educational Counseling

School counselors support students’ academic, social, emotional, and career development. They may work in primary, secondary, or postsecondary settings and often collaborate with teachers, families, administrators, and outside service providers.

Marriage and Family Therapy

Some LPCs work with couples and families on communication, conflict, parenting stress, major life transitions, and relational patterns. Students who want family therapy as a primary license pathway should compare LPC requirements with the separate path for how to become a marriage and family therapist in North Dakota.

Rehabilitation Counseling

Rehabilitation counselors help people with disabilities pursue personal, educational, and employment goals. They may work in rehabilitation centers, government agencies, workforce programs, or community-based organizations.

Crisis and Trauma Counseling

Crisis and trauma counselors may work in crisis centers, hospitals, domestic violence programs, emergency response settings, or social service agencies. Training in trauma-informed care, safety planning, crisis assessment, and referral coordination is especially useful in this specialization.

How can professional associations enhance my counseling practice in North Dakota?

Professional associations can help North Dakota counselors stay connected to the field after licensure. Membership may provide access to ethics updates, training events, conferences, mentorship, peer consultation, advocacy information, and specialty networks. These resources are especially useful for counselors in smaller or rural practice environments who want ongoing professional support.

Associations can also help counselors understand how their work intersects with related mental health professions. If you are considering a broader clinical or assessment-focused path, reviewing how to become a psychologist in North Dakota can clarify how psychology licensure differs from counseling licensure.

How can advanced education elevate my counseling practice in North Dakota?

Advanced education can strengthen a counselor’s clinical range, especially when it adds focused training in assessment, trauma, school counseling, addiction, supervision, leadership, or research-informed practice. For working professionals, flexible graduate options may make it easier to continue practicing while building a deeper specialty.

Counselors interested in education settings can compare programs such as the best online masters in school counseling degree program. Before enrolling in any additional degree or certificate, verify whether the coursework supports your intended credential, employer requirements, or licensure goals in North Dakota.

What financial aid and scholarship options can support counseling education in North Dakota?

Graduate counseling education can be expensive, so students should compare total program cost rather than tuition alone. Review tuition, fees, books, residency or travel requirements, technology costs, practicum expenses, internship scheduling limits, and whether you can work while enrolled.

Prospective students may explore federal aid, institutional scholarships, state-specific awards, employer tuition assistance, loan repayment options, and professional association scholarships. Attending one of the good colleges for psychology in North Dakota may also help students identify psychology and counseling-related funding opportunities. Apply early, confirm eligibility rules, and ask each program whether assistantships or graduate scholarships are available.

How can I specialize in substance abuse counseling in North Dakota?

To specialize in substance abuse counseling, choose a graduate program or field placement that gives you meaningful exposure to addiction assessment, treatment planning, relapse prevention, motivational interviewing, co-occurring disorders, family systems, and recovery support. Continuing education in evidence-based addiction treatment can also help LPCs strengthen this specialty after licensure.

Students and counselors who want a more detailed pathway can review how to become a substance abuse counselor in North Dakota.

What types of clients benefit most from working with an LPC in North Dakota?

LPCs serve many client populations, but their work is especially relevant for people seeking talk therapy, behavioral health support, coping strategies, emotional regulation, career direction, or help navigating major life challenges.

• People with substance use concerns: LPCs with addiction training can help clients examine triggers, build coping strategies, address co-occurring mental health concerns, and work toward recovery goals.
• Children, adolescents, and students: Counselors trained in youth or school counseling can support young clients dealing with academic stress, peer conflict, self-esteem issues, family changes, and emotional concerns.
• Clients with behavioral or emotional challenges: LPCs may use talk therapy and cognitive-behavioral strategies to help clients manage anxiety, depression, anger, stress, and unhealthy patterns.
• People making academic or career decisions: Counselors with vocational or guidance expertise can help clients clarify strengths, identify options, and make more informed education or employment choices.

What steps should I take to become a licensed counselor in North Dakota?

The path to licensure is easier to manage when you treat it as a sequence of documented milestones rather than a single application at the end. Start by confirming the exact requirements with the state board, then choose a qualifying graduate program, complete supervised fieldwork, apply for LAPC status, document supervised practice, and apply for LPC licensure when eligible.

1. Confirm the state rules: Review North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners requirements before choosing a program.
2. Earn the required graduate degree: Complete a 60-credit master’s degree in counseling from a regionally accredited institution.
3. Complete practicum or internship hours: Make sure the program includes at least 700 hours of practicum or internship experience.
4. Apply for associate-level licensure: Submit the required application materials and fee for the appropriate stage.
5. Complete LAPC supervision and client-contact hours: Track the two-year LAPC period, 100 hours of direct supervision, and 800 hours of direct therapy experience.
6. Finish post-master’s supervised clinical counseling experience: Complete two years or 3,000 hours as required for LPC eligibility.
7. Apply for LPC licensure: Submit proof of education, supervised experience, and other required documentation.
8. Maintain the license: Complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including the required ethics hours.

For a more detailed career roadmap, see how to become a licensed mental health counselor in North Dakota.

How can I transition into school counseling in North Dakota?

Moving into school counseling requires more than general counseling interest. You need to understand school-based roles, student development, crisis response in educational settings, collaboration with families and educators, and any credential expectations that apply to school employment.

If you are already in a counseling-related field, compare your current coursework and experience with school counseling requirements. You may need additional coursework, field experience, or certification steps depending on the employer and role. A practical next step is reviewing becoming a school counselor in North Dakota.

How do ethical and legal standards impact counseling practice in North Dakota?

Ethical and legal standards shape nearly every part of counseling practice. North Dakota counselors must understand confidentiality, informed consent, documentation, scope of practice, supervision, boundaries, telehealth considerations, crisis response, and mandatory reporting duties. Mistakes in these areas can affect client safety and licensure standing.

Because laws, board rules, and practice expectations can change, counselors should build risk-management habits early. Review board updates, document carefully, consult supervisors when uncertain, and complete continuing education that addresses ethics and legal responsibilities. For state-specific requirements, see North Dakota LPC license requirements.

Is a Master's in Counseling Worth It in North Dakota?

A master’s in counseling can be worth it in North Dakota if you want a licensed counseling career and are prepared for the cost, supervised training period, and ongoing renewal obligations. It is generally not the right choice if you want a quick credential, prescription authority, or a role that does not require graduate clinical training.

To evaluate return on investment, compare program cost, debt, internship flexibility, time to licensure, expected salary range, local hiring demand, and the specialty you plan to pursue. Also consider whether a lower-cost in-state option, employer support, scholarships, or part-time enrollment could reduce financial pressure. For a broader cost-benefit discussion, review Is a master's in counseling worth it?.

How does counseling differ from social work in North Dakota?

Counseling and social work overlap in behavioral health settings, but they are not the same profession. LPCs focus heavily on counseling, psychotherapy, mental health treatment, and behavior change through clinical interventions. Social workers may provide therapy in some roles, but the field also emphasizes case management, resource coordination, systems advocacy, community support, and social services.

If you are choosing between the two, ask whether you prefer direct psychotherapy as your main professional identity or a broader person-in-environment role that may include advocacy and service coordination. To compare the alternative route, see how to become a social worker in North Dakota.

How can integrating behavior analysis enhance my counseling practice in North Dakota?

Behavior analysis can complement counseling by adding structured ways to observe behavior, identify patterns, measure progress, and design interventions that reinforce healthier choices. This can be useful when working with clients whose goals involve behavior change, skill development, family routines, or measurable treatment outcomes.

Counselors should be careful not to practice outside their training or credentialed scope. If behavior analysis becomes a major professional interest, review the separate credentialing pathway for how to become a behavior analyst in North Dakota.

How can I expedite the licensure process in North Dakota?

You cannot skip North Dakota’s required education, supervision, or experience standards, but you can avoid preventable delays. The fastest realistic path is the one with the fewest documentation problems, missed supervision hours, transfer-credit surprises, or program-fit issues.

• Choose a licensure-aligned program from the start: Confirm that the curriculum is built around North Dakota counseling requirements.
• Keep every record: Save transcripts, syllabi, practicum logs, internship evaluations, supervision records, and client-contact documentation.
• Schedule supervision early: Do not wait until the end of the LAPC period to discover that your supervision hours are incomplete.
• Clarify reciprocity rules before moving: If you hold or plan to hold another state license, confirm how North Dakota evaluates it.
• Track continuing education continuously: Waiting until renewal season can lead to rushed or ineligible coursework.

For additional planning guidance, review the fastest way to become a counselor in North Dakota.

Requirements and Licensure Levels for a Licensed Counselor in North Dakota

North Dakota’s counselor licensure pathway begins long before the LPC application. Even if a student starts with an online bachelor degree in psychology, independent counseling practice requires graduate education. Candidates must complete a graduate degree and a total of 60 graduate semester hours in counseling-related coursework.

The state uses three licensure levels. The first major step is LAPC status, which allows limited practice while the candidate completes supervised experience. LPC status grants full professional counseling practice privileges. The highest level, LPCC, is not required for basic counseling practice, but it may offer additional professional advantages for counselors who qualify.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Pursuing Counselor Licensure in North Dakota

• Choosing a program before checking licensure alignment: A counseling-related degree is not automatically the same as a licensure-ready counseling degree.
• Looking only at tuition: Compare total cost, fees, travel, books, internship limitations, and lost income from reduced work hours.
• Assuming online coursework is always accepted: North Dakota limits how many continuing education hours may come from self-study or online courses, and students should also verify online program field placement rules.
• Failing to document supervision: Missing signatures, unclear logs, or inconsistent records can slow LPC approval.
• Ignoring accreditation and institutional status: Confirm regional accreditation and program-specific accreditation when relevant.
• Assuming salaries are guaranteed: Pay varies by employer, specialization, location, licensure level, and experience.
• Relying only on rankings: A highly visible program may not be the best fit if it lacks the specialty, schedule, cost structure, or placement support you need.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Counseling Program in North Dakota

• Does the program meet the 60-credit counseling degree expectation for North Dakota licensure?
• Is the institution regionally accredited?
• Does the curriculum include the counseling coursework required by the North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners?
• How does the program help students secure practicum and internship placements?
• How are the required 700 practicum or internship hours documented?
• Does the program offer the specialization I want, such as clinical mental health, school counseling, or addiction counseling?
• What is the total estimated cost, including fees and field placement expenses?
• Can I attend part time, and will that affect field placement timing?
• What are recent graduate outcomes, licensure preparation supports, and exam preparation resources?
• Who should I contact if I plan to seek licensure in another state later?

Current Trends Affecting Counseling Careers in North Dakota

Counseling students should pay attention to workforce demand, employer expectations, and practice changes. Growth projections for mental health, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, school, and vocational counseling roles indicate continued need through 2030, but opportunities vary by region and specialty.

Technology is also reshaping counseling practice. Telehealth, digital scheduling, electronic health records, outcome measurement tools, and online continuing education are now part of many counseling environments. These tools can improve access, especially in rural areas, but they also require careful attention to confidentiality, informed consent, documentation, and state practice rules.

Employers may increasingly look for counselors who can work with co-occurring disorders, trauma, substance use, crisis needs, youth mental health, and interdisciplinary care teams. Students who choose field placements and continuing education strategically can build a stronger early-career profile.

Key Insights

• North Dakota LPC licensure is a graduate-level path: Candidates need a 60-credit master’s degree in counseling, supervised training, and documented clinical experience.
• The LAPC stage is essential: Before independent LPC practice, candidates complete a two-year LAPC period with 100 hours of direct supervision and 800 hours of direct therapy experience with clients.
• Fieldwork starts during the degree: Master’s programs must include at least 700 hours of practicum or internship experience.
• Demand is strongest in mental health and addiction-related counseling: Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor positions are projected to rise 19.5% through 2030, with openings forecasted to reach 920 by 2030.
• Salary figures vary by source and role: North Dakota licensed counselor salary references in this guide include $76,092, $78,142, and $71,359 averages, so students should use multiple data points when estimating ROI.
• Program choice affects licensure speed: The best program is not simply the cheapest or most recognizable; it is the one that fits North Dakota requirements, your specialty, your schedule, and your budget.
• Renewal requires ongoing learning: LPCs must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including at least three ethics-focused hours.
• Do not skip verification: Before enrolling, confirm accreditation, coursework, field placement support, and state licensure alignment directly with the program and the North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners.

References:

• American Counseling Association. (2025). Licensure requirements by state. https://www.counseling.org/resources/licensure-requirements
• All Psychology Schools. (2026). Counselor salary by state. https://www.allpsychologyschools.com/counseling/salary/
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Mental health data. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth
• Health Resources and Services Administration. (2025). Mental health shortage areas. https://data.hrsa.gov
• Indeed. (2025, May 14). Licensed professional counselor salary in North Dakota. https://www.indeed.com/career/licensed-professional-counselor/salaries/ND
• National Board for Certified Counselors. (2025). National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). https://www.nbcc.org/exams/ncmhce
• Online Counseling Programs. (2025). How to become a counselor in North Dakota. https://onlinecounselingprograms.com/become-a-counselor/counseling-licensure/how-to-become-a-counselor-in-north-dakota/
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). How to become a counselor. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm
• ZipRecruiter. (2026). Licensed professional counselor salary in North Dakota. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Licensed-Professional-Counselor-Salary--in-North-Dakota