Apply for a License

Mental Health Counselor

Apply online

Getting started

Online Application Instructions

Online application instructions are on our website.

Once you have completed the process, you will find your pending credential number on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact the Department of Health or submit paperwork.

Apply on paper

The following forms are required for completing the application process. Please download and print forms:

Renewal requirements

Mental health counselors must renew their license every year on or before their birthday. 

Mental Health Counselor Associate

Apply online

Getting started

Online Application Instructions

Online application instructions are on our website.

Once you have completed the process, you will find your pending credential number on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact the Department of Health or submit paperwork.

Apply on paper

The following forms are required for completing the application process. Please download and print forms:

Renewal requirements

Mental health counselor associates must renew their license every year on the date of issuance.

Fee Schedule

Mental Health Counselor

WAC 246-809-990 – Fees

Licenses must be renewed every year on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 2.

  • Application - $111*
    • Initial license - $80
      • Total: $191  
  • Renewal - $141*
  • Renewal retired active - $86
  • Late renewal penalty - $65
  • Late renewal retired active - $35
  • Expired reissuance - $65
  • Duplicate license - $10
  • Verification of credential - $25

* Includes the $16 fee to access the University of Washington HEAL-WA health resources website.

Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal, and other fees associated with the licensing and regulation of the profession are non-refundable, per WAC 246-12-340.

Mental Health Counselor Associate

WAC 246-809-990 – Fees

Licenses must be renewed every year on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 2.

  • Application - $35
  • Renewal - $25
  • Late renewal - $25
  • Expired reissuance - $40
  • Duplicate certificate - $10
  • Verification of license - $25

Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal, and other fees associated with the licensing and regulation of the profession are non-refundable, per WAC 246-12-340.

Process for Approving/Denying Applications

We finish final review for approval after a credentialing specialist verifies that the application is fully complete and complies with requirements in chapter 18.225 RCW and chapter 246-809 WAC. We complete background checks and make sure applicants have submitted required fees. Credentialing supervisors and lead workers have the authority to approve routine applications. The disciplining authority may conduct further review if the credentialing supervisor can't verify the applicant meets all requirements. We'll formally notify applicants of a denial. Those applicants may request a hearing to appeal the decision.

Additional Licensing Information