Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practices

Present the scope of practice for clinical mental health counselors in your state (note that CMHCs might also be called LPCs, LMHCs, or something similar).

The scope of practice for clinical mental health counselor in Washington is described by “Counselor” as an individual, practitioner, therapist, or analyst who engages in the practice of counseling to the public for a fee, including for the purposes of hypnotherapists (Washington State Legislature, 2009). The counseling techniques, including by not limited to social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, and hypnotherapy, for a fee that offer, assist or attempt to assist an individual or individuals in the amelioration or adjustment of mental, emotional, or

To be credentialed as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, you will need a master’s or doctoral degree, and take the examination to become licensed, then fulfill a supervised practice. While fulfillment of these requirements you will be classified as a Licensed Mental health Counselor Associate (Counselor-License, 2016). An Associate is a pre-licensure candidate with a graduate degree in a mental health field (Washington State Department of Health, 2014).

Education

• Applicants must have a master’s or doctoral degree in mental health counseling or a behavioral science master’s or doctoral degree in a field relating to mental health counseling (Washington State Department of Health, 2014).

Behavioral science in a field relating to mental health counseling

The next portion of the application the core of study must relate to counseling theory and counseling philosophy. The practicum internship must be used for qualification an must incorporate supervised direct client contact. This core of study must include seven content areas from the entire list in subsections (1) through (17) of this section, five of which must be from content areas in subsections (1) through (8) of this subsection:

1 Assessment/diagnosis

2 Ethics/law

3 Counseling

This list must also include when the applicant has applied for a credential, even if a credential was not granted.

Exam

• Applicants must pass either of the following National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) exams: National Counselor Exam (NCE). National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE). Applicants must register to take the exam directly through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).

Personal data questions

• Each applicant must answer the personal data questions. If there is a positive answer to the professional liability claims history question, the applicant must send an explanation of the nature of the case, data and summary of care given, copies of the original complaint, and the settlement or final disposition. If the case is pending, applicant must indicate status.

Additional information/documents required

• Applicants must complete four hours of HIV/AIDS training.

Renewal and continuing education requirements

• Mental health counselors must renew their license every year on or before their birthday. Every two years mental health counselors must complete 36 hours of continuing education (CE) with six hours in law and ethics. Mental health counselors are required to submit the appropriate fee, renewal card and an affidavit of compliance with the CE