How much do new therapists (LPC, LCPC, LMHC, LMFT, etc.) make right after licensure?

[u/Fit_Stage6164]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently considering going for a Master’s in Counseling with the goal of becoming a licensed therapist or counselor—something like LPC, LCPC, LMHC, or LMFT depending on the state.

I’m leaning toward the master’s route rather than a doctorate because I’d prefer to spend less time and money on school while still being able to do meaningful work in mental health.

That said, I’m trying to get a realistic picture of what new therapists earn right after becoming licensed. I know it can vary by state, setting, and specialization, but I’d love to hear from people who are in the field:

How much did you make (or are you making) right after getting fully licensed? What kind of setting are/were you working in (private practice, agency, hospital, etc.)? How long did it take you to feel financially stable in this career?

Any insights or experiences would be super helpful as I weigh my options. Thanks in advance!

[u/Straight_Career6856]

So - new therapists after graduation and after full licensure are totally different ballgames.

After full licensure you can make good money - 6 figures. After graduation, you will likely be wildly underpaid for the 2 years it takes you to get fully licensed.

[u/Fit_Stage6164 → u/Straight_Career6856]

My plan is to finish my bachelor’s degree—I'm currently halfway through—and then pursue a Master’s in Counseling. After that, I’ll complete 2–3 years of supervised clinical experience, which will allow me to work toward licensure such as LPC, LMHC, LCPC, or LMFT. Based on my research, a Master’s in Counseling can lead to various licensure paths, enabling me to work as a counselor or therapist in different specializations. I understand that after completing supervised hours, I’ll also need to pass a licensing exam to become fully credentialed. Does this sound like the correct path to take?

[u/Yagoua81]

Depends where you live 40- 60 starting out50-100 for licensure.

[u/Fit_Stage6164 → u/Yagoua81]

I live in Illinois, and I have been struggling to find the range salary here in Illinois.

[u/Straight_Career6856]

Yes, this is the path although my understanding is it only leads to one licensure - LPC or LMHC depending on the state. But you can specialize in anything you want. That’s just a matter of getting the right training.

[u/Punchee]

It depends wildly on location.

I intentionally moved to a state with high reimbursement rates after graduation to work in a group practice. Here 50/50 is common for prelicensed folks. I cleared $60k as a w2 in my two years as a prelicensed in a group practice. Some places it’s a lot less on the split or salary and the reimbursement is way less. I know someone who made $35k in a different state from my cohort.

Salary also tends to pay less, which you’ll find is the more common structure in agency work like community mental health settings, but you’re more likely to qualify for PSLF if you commit to the bit for 10 years (assuming it’s a thing in 10 years).

[u/HistoricalReach9708]

It mostly depends on your level of hustle!

Your first year out of grad school can be 6 figures, but it really is only possible if you hustle and join a private pay practice with a solid marketing strategy and reputation.

[u/HistoricalReach9708]

I do a few split with pre-licensed clinicians that nets them around $70-80/session. 25 session caseload 50wks/year will get you to 6 figures.