Clinical hours are important because you need to demonstrate, in a supervised setting, that you can work with clients in an ethical and engaging manner. Clinical hours provide the needed training to ensure you are dedicated to the work and competent to handle your counseling duties, regardless of the situation. Schools requiring clinical hours also know the importance of these hours for licensure. Finding an internship or field experience can be difficult if you aren't in a degree program. As such, many schools have incorporated clinical hours into their programs to ensure you gain the necessary field experience. Counseling is a necessary part of American life. Whether someone is struggling with an addiction, dealing with PTSD, or something in between, it is clear that people all across the nation need access to highly qualified counselors. A master’s in counseling provides you with the necessary education and training to be able to handle any situation with compassion and empathy.