LPC stands for Licensed Professional Counselor, which is a licensure for mental health professionals in some countries, including the US. LPCs are highly trained and skilled mental health professionals who provide mental health and substance abuse care to millions of Americans. They are doctoral and masters-level mental health service providers, trained to work with individuals, families, and groups in treating mental, behavioral, and emotional problems and disorders. LPCs make up a large percentage of the workforce employed in community mental health centers, agencies, universities, hospitals, and organizations, and are employed within and covered by managed care organizations and health plans. LPCs also work with active duty military personnel and their families, as well as veterans. LPCs are regulated by federal and state laws, which either protect the title of LPC or LMHC or actually define the scope of practice of a professional counselor and stipulate certain client protections. LPCs are licensed to diagnose whether a patient has a mental illness in many states. The primary academic paths for LPCs are a master’s degree in counseling or a master’s degree in clinical psychology, with preparation for LPC licensure. LPCs are not psychiatrists and are not awarded a medical degree.