What is the primary purpose of the South Carolina Licensing Board for Professional Counselors?

The primary purpose of the South Carolina Licensing Board for Professional Counselors is to regulate and ensure the competency of licensed professional counselors. This entails establishing standards for entry into the profession, including the evaluation of qualifications, ensuring that licensed counselors meet the educational and ethical requirements necessary to practice safely and effectively.

By overseeing the licensing process, the Board works to protect the public by ensuring that only qualified individuals provide counseling services. This regulatory role is critical in maintaining high standards within the profession, fostering public trust in licensed professionals, and enhancing the overall quality of mental health services delivered to the community.

Other choices such as promoting counseling techniques, overseeing educational programs, or providing counseling services are secondary functions or related aspects of the broader goal of ensuring that licensed professional counselors are competent and adhere to ethical practice standards. However, these do not capture the core responsibility of the Board, which is fundamentally about regulation and competency assurance.