What is required for a LPC to use the title "Doctor" in practice?

In order for a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) to use the title "Doctor" in practice, it is essential that the degree be regionally accredited. This requirement ensures that the educational program meets specific standards of quality and credibility recognized by educational institutions and licensing boards. A regionally accredited degree signifies that the program has undergone rigorous evaluation and meets established educational standards, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the profession.

Using the title "Doctor" also carries significant implications for the perception and trust placed in the counselor by clients and other professionals. It implies a certain level of expertise and authority that is associated with higher education credentials. Therefore, the regional accreditation of the degree serves not just to confirm the legitimacy of the academic achievement, but also to uphold the profession's ethical standards and the public's trust in mental health services.

In contrast, having a degree from a local university doesn't guarantee its accreditation status, and a degree from any institution without accreditation might not meet the necessary legal or ethical requirements. Similarly, a degree in any health-related field, if not regionally accredited, would also not satisfy the standards necessary for using the title "Doctor." Thus, only a regionally accredited degree qualifies an LPC to appropriately use the title within their practice