Licensed counselors in Massachusetts provide a supportive, confidential space where clients can address mental health challenges and build coping strategies. The state offers several counseling career paths, including mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, and school counseling.
The requirements to become a licensed counselor in Massachusetts include graduate education, supervised experience, and state licensure. Keep reading to learn about licensure requirements, timelines, salary expectations, and career opportunities for counselors in Massachusetts.
Typical Requirements to Become a Counselor in Massachusetts
Below is a high-level overview of the process for becoming a licensed or certified counselor in Massachusetts. Each counseling role has its own requirements, but most pathways include these six steps:
Earn a bachelor's degree.
Complete a master's degree in counseling or a related field.
Finish supervised experience requirements (hours vary by credential).
Pass any required licensing or certification exams.
Apply for state licensure or certification.
Complete continuing education to maintain your credential.
Popular Online Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Massachusetts Counselor Licensure Requirements
Massachusetts offers three counseling licensure types: licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), and school counselor.
The state Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions licenses LMHCs and LMFTs, while the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education licenses school counselors.
Application requirements for each license are listed below.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Counselor in Massachusetts?
While timelines vary by license type, you can expect to spend around 8-9 years completing Massachusetts counseling licensure requirements. You'll first need to earn a four-year bachelor's degree. Then you'll enter a 2-3 year master's degree program in mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or school counseling. After that, you'll need a year or two to complete post-master's training and pass your licensing examination.
Several factors can impact the time it takes to earn your Massachusetts counseling license. These include whether you study part-time or full-time, need extra time to complete prerequisites, and the time it takes to complete supervised experience hours.
Salary Expectations for Counselors in Massachusetts
Counselors and therapists in Massachusetts earn median annual salaries of about $60,000-$80,000, according to May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. School counselors earn the highest median salary at $79,930 per year, well above the national median of $65,140.
For entry-level master's graduates, the class of 2024 earned a national mean annual salary of $55,577, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
| Counseling Career | Median Annual Wage | Total Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $67,370 | 600 |
| Mental Health Counselor | $59,890 | 18,190* |
| School Counselor | $79,930 | 11,460 |
Source: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
*Total employment figures include substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
Professional Organizations for Counselors in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association: MaMHCA supports counseling professionals, educators, students, and interns, offering continuing education resources, an annual conference, and employment help at its annual job and career fair. Other benefits include discounted professional liability insurance and licensure support.
Massachusetts School Counselors Association: MASCA offers membership options to counselors in public and private schools, counselor education graduate students, and retired counselors. Member benefits include networking opportunities, professional development, mentoring, and an annual conference. MASCA is also involved in advocacy and legislative action.
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Licensure
Massachusetts counseling licensure requirements include a master's degree, post-master's training, and a passing score on the applicable licensure examination. Specific requirements depend on whether you want to become an LMHC, LMFT, or school counselor.
