Washington’s Department of Health issues the LMHC to counselors who pass one of two NBCC exams: the NCE or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Applicants also complete 3,000 hours of supervised postgraduate counseling and hold a master’s or doctorate in mental health counseling or a related behavioral science. Graduates of CACREP-accredited programs receive automatic credit toward the experience requirement.
- Which exams does Washington accept for the LMHC?
- Either the National Counselor Exam (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE), both from NBCC. The Department of Health states that both are accepted for licensure in Washington State.
- How much supervised experience does Washington require?
- A minimum of 36 months of full-time counseling or 3,000 hours of postgraduate mental health counseling under an approved supervisor. At least 1,200 of those hours must be direct counseling with individuals, couples, groups or families, and at least 100 hours must be immediate supervision.
- Does a CACREP degree help in Washington?
- Yes. Applicants who completed a master’s or doctorate in a CACREP-accredited counseling program receive automatic credit toward the supervised postgraduate experience requirement, applied once an official transcript confirms they finished the program.
- What degree does Washington require?
- A master’s or doctoral degree in mental health counseling, or a behavioral science master’s or doctorate in a field related to mental health counseling. The core of study must cover seven content areas from the state’s list, five of them from its first eight areas.
- What does the licence cost in Washington, and how do I apply?
- The initial licence is $191, which includes a $16 fee for access to the University of Washington’s HEALWA health resources site. Renewal is $141 a year, due on or before your birthday. You apply online through the Department of Health’s HELMS system after creating a Secure Access Washington account.