Licensing Requirements

As part of an approved BHSS education program, all BHSS students must complete a practicum under an approved supervisor as defined in WAC 246-821-215.

Before the practicum begins or within the first month of the practicum, the student shall meet with the supervisor to:

(a) Develop a written plan for developing clinical skills, including graduated participation in facilitating clinical encounters;

(b) Set goals and expectations for the duration of the practicum;

(c) Establish a schedule for supervision, which may include group supervision in addition to required individual supervision; and

(d) Identify an alternate supervisor, if possible, in case the primary supervisor is unavailable.

Practicum supervisors must provide supervision regularly, with at least biweekly individual or triadic supervision, and at least one in-person supervision session per quarter.

Under the supervision of the practicum supervisor, a BHSS student shall:

(a) Complete at least 240 practicum hours;

(b) Complete at least 12 hours of individual or triadic supervision;

(c) Complete at least 60 hours of direct client contact, including co-delivery of services with a supervisor or other certified or licensed behavioral health provider or substance use disorder professional; and

(d) Demonstrate at least one clinical skill from each of the eight competency domains listed in WAC 246-821-110.

Practicum supervisors must attest to the student's completion of practicum requirements listed in subsection (4) of this section on the BHSS Verification of Supervised Practicum Experience form (PDF).

Applicants must list all states where they do or did hold credentials. This list must also include when the applicant has applied for a credential, even if a credential was not granted. The jurisdiction where the applicant is or was credentialed must complete and submit the verification form (PDF). The jurisdiction must send the completed form directly to the department.

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.