Colorado has become one of the most desirable states for mental health professionals, combining a high quality of life with strong demand for counseling services. The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential grants full independent practice authority, allowing you to diagnose, treat, and build your dream practice in the Centennial State.
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) oversees counselor licensure through the State Board of Licensed Professional Counselor Examiners. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the LPCC to LPC pathway, so you can navigate the licensure process efficiently and begin serving Colorado clients.
Colorado DORA and Licensing Board Overview
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is the umbrella agency that houses multiple professional licensing boards, including the State Board of Licensed Professional Counselor Examiners. This board is responsible for setting standards, reviewing applications, and ensuring that licensed counselors maintain competency.
Colorado has developed a reputation for being relatively straightforward in its licensure process, with clear requirements and responsive board staff. All applications are submitted through the DORA online licensing portal.
Colorado DORA Contact Information
- Agency: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)
- Board: State Board of Licensed Professional Counselor Examiners
- Address: 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350, Denver, CO 80202
- Phone: (303) 894-7800
- Website: dora.colorado.gov/LPC
- Application Portal: Colorado eLicense
Colorado Counselor License Types
Colorado uses a two-tier licensure system that allows you to begin practicing under supervision immediately after completing your graduate degree. The progression from candidate to fully licensed counselor is straightforward with proper planning.
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate
Supervised Practice License
- Entry-level license after masters completion
- Must practice under approved supervision
- Accumulating hours toward full licensure
- Can provide counseling services under supervision
- Valid while accumulating required experience
Licensed Professional Counselor
Full Independent License
- Full independent practice authority
- Can diagnose and treat mental disorders
- Eligible for insurance panel credentialing
- May supervise LPCCs
- Can establish and operate private practice
Education Requirements
Colorado requires a masters degree or higher in counseling or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. Unlike some states that specify a minimum credit hour requirement, Colorado focuses on the content and quality of your graduate education.
Graduate Degree Standards
Your graduate program should be in professional counseling, counseling psychology, or a related mental health field. Programs accredited by CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) are well-aligned with Colorado requirements and may streamline your application.
Core Content Areas
- Counseling theories and techniques
- Human growth and development
- Psychopathology and diagnosis
- Group counseling
- Multicultural counseling
Additional Required Areas
- Assessment and appraisal
- Research and program evaluation
- Professional ethics and law
- Career development
- Treatment planning
Practicum and Internship
Your graduate program should include supervised clinical experience as part of the curriculum. This typically includes:
- Practicum: Initial supervised clinical experience (typically 100+ hours)
- Internship: Extended supervised experience (typically 600+ hours)
- Both should include direct client contact under qualified supervision
- Experience should align with your intended scope of practice
Examination Requirements
Colorado requires passage of the National Counselor Examination (NCE) for both LPCC and LPC licensure. The exam is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and tests knowledge across the core counseling content areas.
NCE (National Counselor Examination)
Required for LPCC and LPC licenses in Colorado
- Format: 200 multiple-choice questions
- Scored Questions: 160 count toward final score
- Time Limit: 3 hours, 45 minutes
- Passing Score: Set by NBCC (approximately 55-60%)
- Cost: Approximately $335
- Testing Locations: Pearson VUE centers statewide
You can take the NCE after your education is complete. Many candidates take the exam before applying for their LPCC license, while others apply first and take the exam during their supervised practice period.
Post-Graduate Supervised Experience
To advance from LPCC to full LPC status, you must complete supervised clinical experience after obtaining your masters degree. Colorado has streamlined these requirements compared to many other states.
Colorado LPC Supervision Requirements
Hours Required
- 2,000 post-graduate practice hours
- 1,000 must be direct client contact
- 100 hours of clinical supervision
Supervision Structure
- 1 hour supervision per 20 work hours minimum
- Individual supervision strongly recommended
- Group supervision may count for portion
- Supervisor must be board-approved LPC or equivalent
Finding an Approved Supervisor
Your clinical supervisor must be approved by the Colorado board. Understanding the requirements helps you identify appropriate supervisors from the start of your LPCC experience.
Approved Clinical Supervisor Credentials
Eligible License Types
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Licensed Psychologist
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Psychiatrist (MD/DO)
Supervisor Standards
- Must hold active, unrestricted license
- Must have 2+ years post-licensure experience
- Should have training in clinical supervision
- Must not have supervisee as family member
- Must register supervision with the board
LPCC Application Process
After completing your graduate degree, you can apply for the Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) credential to begin your supervised practice. Here is the complete process:
Create DORA Account
Register on the Colorado eLicense portal. This account will be used for all applications, renewals, and license management throughout your career in Colorado.
Submit LPCC Application
Complete the online application, providing information about your education, background, and planned supervision arrangement. Be thorough and accurate to avoid delays.
Arrange Official Transcripts
Have your graduate institution send official transcripts directly to DORA. Electronic transcripts from approved providers are typically processed faster than mailed copies.
Complete Background Check
Colorado requires fingerprint-based background checks for all counselor applicants. You will receive instructions for scheduling your fingerprinting appointment.
Pay Application Fee
The LPCC application fee is approximately $165. Additional fees apply for fingerprinting and examination registration if not already completed.
Register Supervision
Submit your supervision registration form identifying your approved clinical supervisor. This must be completed before you can begin accumulating supervised hours.
Receive LPCC License
Once approved, your LPCC license will be issued and posted to the eLicense portal. You can begin supervised practice immediately upon licensure.
Upgrading from LPCC to LPC
After completing your supervised experience and passing the NCE, you can apply to upgrade from LPCC to full LPC status. The upgrade process is straightforward if you have maintained proper documentation throughout your supervised experience.
- Verify completion of 2,000 supervised hours (1,000 direct client contact)
- Confirm 100 hours of clinical supervision received
- Ensure NCE has been passed (if not completed earlier)
- Have your supervisor complete experience verification forms
- Submit the LPC upgrade application through eLicense
- Pay the upgrade fee (approximately $165)
- Receive your LPC license upon board approval
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Colorado counselor licenses must be renewed every two years. The renewal cycle is based on your initial licensure date. Continuing education is required to maintain your license in good standing.
Continuing Education Requirements
- 40 CE hours per renewal cycle
- 5 hours must be in ethics
- CE must be relevant to professional practice
- Keep records for 4 years for audits
Renewal Fees
- LPCC License Renewal $165
- LPC License Renewal $165
- Late Renewal (within 60 days) $247
- License Verification $10
Reciprocity and Endorsement
Colorado offers licensure by endorsement for counselors licensed in other states. If you hold an active counseling license elsewhere, you may qualify for expedited Colorado licensure.
To qualify for endorsement, you generally must:
- Hold an active, unrestricted license in another state
- Have completed education substantially equivalent to Colorado standards
- Have passed the NCE or equivalent examination
- Have at least 2 years of post-licensure experience
- Complete Colorado fingerprint background check
- Have no disciplinary actions against any professional license
Counseling Compact Update
Colorado has enacted legislation to join the Counseling Compact. Once the compact becomes operational and Colorado is officially participating, LPCs from member states with compact privileges will be able to practice in Colorado without obtaining a separate license. Check the DORA website for current implementation status and timelines.
Scope of Practice in Colorado
The Colorado LPC license authorizes a comprehensive scope of clinical mental health practice. Understanding your authorized activities helps you practice confidently and within legal boundaries.
LPC Authorized Services
Clinical Services
- Individual, couples, and family therapy
- Group counseling and psychotherapy
- Mental health assessment and diagnosis
- Treatment planning and case management
- Crisis intervention services
Practice Settings
- Independent private practice
- Group practices and clinics
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Community mental health agencies
- Schools and higher education
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the LPCC application process take?
Most complete LPCC applications are processed within 2-4 weeks. Colorado DORA is known for relatively fast processing times compared to other states. Incomplete applications or those requiring additional documentation will take longer.
Can I start working before my LPCC is issued?
No. You must have your LPCC license in hand before providing counseling services in Colorado, even under supervision. Plan ahead to ensure your license is issued before your intended start date.
How long can I hold an LPCC license?
There is no strict time limit on holding the LPCC license in Colorado. However, you should aim to complete your supervised hours in a reasonable timeframe (typically 2-3 years) to maintain clinical momentum and supervisor availability.
Can I change supervisors during my LPCC period?
Yes. If you need to change supervisors, submit a new supervision registration form to the board. Hours accumulated under your previous supervisor will still count toward your total requirement.
Does Colorado require malpractice insurance?
Colorado does not legally mandate malpractice insurance. However, professional liability coverage is strongly recommended for all counselors and is typically required by employers and insurance panels.
Is telehealth allowed in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado LPCs and LPCCs can provide telehealth services to clients located in Colorado. For clients in other states, you must hold appropriate licensure in those states or qualify under their telehealth provisions.
Key Takeaways
Colorado provides a streamlined path to counselor licensure with reasonable supervision requirements and a supportive regulatory environment. The state's growing population and emphasis on mental health access create strong opportunities for licensed counselors.
Colorado LPC Licensure Essentials
- Complete a masters degree in counseling from an accredited institution
- Pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE)
- Obtain LPCC license to begin supervised practice after graduation
- Complete 2,000 post-graduate hours including 1,000 direct client contact
- Receive 100 hours of clinical supervision from an approved supervisor
- Renew biennially with 40 CE hours including 5 in ethics
Build Your Colorado Practice with Confidence
Whether you are completing your LPCC hours or running an established LPC practice, TheraFocus helps you manage scheduling, documentation, billing, and compliance in one HIPAA-compliant platform designed for Colorado mental health professionals.
Start Your Free TrialFound this helpful?
Share it with your colleagues
TheraFocus Team
Practice Management Experts
The TheraFocus team is dedicated to empowering therapy practices with cutting-edge technology, expert guidance, and actionable insights on practice management, compliance, and clinical excellence.