What does being licensed allow a counselor to do?

Being licensed allows a counselor to practice clinical work officially. This means that the counselor has met specific educational and training requirements, passed examinations, and fulfilled other criteria set by the state licensing board. With a license, they are legally recognized as qualified practitioners who can provide counseling services to clients, ensuring a standard of care and professionalism in their practice.

This licensing is critical in protecting the public, as it ensures that only those who have demonstrated sufficient knowledge and skill are allowed to provide psychological or counseling services. The legal aspect of the practice reinforces the counselor's credibility and highlights the importance of adhering to ethical and professional guidelines in their work.

The other choices involve tasks that may not necessarily require a specific license or may depend on additional credentials. For example, while some counselors might teach at universities, this typically requires a higher level of education, such as a doctorate, and teaching positions are not universally available to licensed counselors. Similarly, providing private consultations can sometimes be performed by non-licensed individuals depending on the context, while the ability to travel internationally for counseling work does not hinge on state licensing, as international practices are governed by different regulations and requirements.