Apply for a License
Mental Health Counselor
- Apply Online
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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
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The following forms are required for completing the application process. Please download and print forms:
- Mental Health Counselor Application Packet (PDF)
- Expired Mental Health Counselor Activation Application Packet (PDF)
- Portability of Professional Licenses of Members of the Uniformed Services and Their Spouses Application (PDF)
- Credential Verification (PDF)
- Mental Health Counselor Verification of Mental Health Supervised Postgraduate Experience (PDF)
- Approved Supervisor Form (PDF)
- Accommodation Request (PDF)
- Continuing Education Attestation (PDF)
- Practicum Exemption Verification (PDF)
- Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements
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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 requirement.
Beginning with the first full CE period after January 1, 2014, mental health counselors must complete six hours of training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management. The training must be repeated once every six years.
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
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The following forms are required for completing the application process. Please download and print forms:
- Renewal Requirements
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Mental health counselor associates must renew their license every year on the date of issuance.
Fee Schedule
- Mental Health Counselor
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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
- Initial license - $80
- 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.
- Application - $111*
- Mental Health Counselor Associate
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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.
Understanding your Application
All professions within the Department of Health (DOH) are unique. While the sections identified below can often be found on most applications, it is important to be aware of the requirements and rules of your specific credential(s).
After you submit your application, please watch for email communication from DOH. Throughout the application process promptly reply to all questions and requests. Delayed responses cause a longer wait for your credential to be issued. We highly encourage using our online application services.
- Demographic Information
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Demographic data is used to create an account within the DOH database, verify your identity, and collect contact information. Please carefully provide accurate and complete answers to all applicable demographic questions.
- Military
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It is valuable to indicate your military or spouse status on your DOH application. Appropriate documentation is necessary for all military related applications, and it is important to be aware of documents you need to provide to DOH. In some cases, military education, training, and experience may count towards attaining certain health care professional credentials. As a spouse or registered domestic partner of a service member, you may be eligible to have the processing time of your application expedited.
To find information and resources for military personnel and their spouses visit the Military Resources website.
- Personal Data Questions
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All applicants must respond to the personal data questions, which focus on their ability to demonstrate the essential skills required for their profession.
Carefully review all questions. Please note that “yes” answers require an explanation and additional documentation as outlined on your application. If applicable, please be aware of the necessary documentation and provide it to DOH as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing your application.
- Other Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
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DOH must verify all other credentials. List all states, including Washington State, where credentials are or were held. If you have applicable credentials to list, you may be required to provide an Out-of-State Credential Verification form. This form can be found in the paper application packet or on the Apply for License page. The form must be sent to each state listed and returned to DOH.
Please remember to provide all in-state and out-of-state credentials, including active, expired, and in-renewal. Individual states may require a fee for sending your verification to us, please check in advance to help expedite this process.
- Education
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To verify your qualifications, we must review all educational preparation and post-graduate training. Applicants must request official transcripts from the school(s) attended and the school needs to send them directly to DOH .
- Exam
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In some cases, passing an exam may be required to receive your credential. It is important to be aware of whether this applies to your credential. Exam scores must be sent from the exam host to the department. For more information on exams that may apply to your credential, visit your profession page.
- Supervised Experience
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Supervised experience may be necessary to receive your credential or maintain it as you practice. Supervision rules and requirements vary from profession to profession, please visit your professions page to learn more about supervision requirements for your credential.
Important Reminders
- Fees
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Fees must be paid when an application is submitted. You can pay online while using the online application portal, or by sending a check or money order to the appropriate PO Box as listed on your application.
Applications with unpaid fees cannot be processed until payment is received.
- Background Check
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A background check is processed for every applicant. DOH may need to obtain a fingerprint-based background check with Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). If this is required for your application, you will be contacted by DOH and it is your responsibility to complete the required steps to submit this background check.
Process for Approving/Denying Applications
We finish the 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 that the applicant meets all requirements. We'll formally notify applicants of a denial. Those applicants may request a hearing to appeal the decision.