Agency Affiliated Counselor Licensing Information

February Credentialing Freeze: All licensing and credentialing systems for health professionals and facilities will be unavailable on Friday, February 14 from 5 p.m. until the morning of Wednesday, February 19, 2025, to complete system upgrades. Please complete your applications and renewals now to avoid delays.

Apply for a License

Certified or Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor

Apply online

The Washington State Department of Health requires that only the applicant or licensee may complete an attestation for an application, or for continuing education. This is a legal attestation. Completion of the attestation by anyone other than the applicant may constitute a reportable felony offense. The Department of Health can take action against people for perjury or for making a false statement they know to be false.

For further information please see:

Washington State law authorizes the Department of Health to obtain fingerprint-based background checks for licensing purposes. This check may be through the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. We may require this if you have lived in another state or if you have a criminal record in Washington State. This would be at your own expense.

You must pay the application fee at the time you apply. You may use a credit or debit card with a VISA or MasterCard logo, or pay by ACH/E-Check. Please make sure your address on the payment information screen matches the address your financial institution has on file for you. This fee is non-refundable. There is a convenience fee to apply online.

If we need additional documentation, we'll notify you by email.

There are additional items you may need, in addition to your application:

If you have questions, contact our Customer Service staff at 360-236-4700.

Getting started

Online Application Instructions

Online application instructions are on our website.

Online applications are accessed through SecureAccess Washington (SAW) security portal. You'll need to add the Department of Health Online Application Portal - Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) Portal service to access the online applications. The first time you add the service, you'll be prompted to answer several questions to verify your identity. The questions will match the name and address you provide with the existing public record information. Because the questions come from public record, you need to provide a complete address and your full legal name as it appears on your driver's license or birth certificate. You may find you have to enter a former address, especially if your address has changed recently (within the past one or two years) to get the right questions that pertain to your identity. If you don't have sufficient information in the public record to verify your identity and aren't currently credentialed by the Department of Health, then you'll need to submit a paper application, as you won't be able to access the Online Application Portal.

Once you have completed the process, and submitted your application, you will receive an email with your pending credential number, or you may look on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact Department of Health or submit paperwork.

Apply on paper

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

Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor

Apply online

Prior to applying online, review the following information that you'll be asked in the application:

  • You must have a Social Security number to apply online. A U.S. Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) cannot be substituted. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must complete a paper application (PDF).
  • If you will answer ‘Yes' to any of the following questions, you must apply with a paper application (PDF).
    • Do you have a medical condition which in any way impairs or limits your ability to practice your profession with reasonable skill and safety? "Medical condition" includes physiological, mental or psychological conditions or disorders, such as, but not limited to orthopedic, visual, speech, and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, intellectual disabilities, emotional or mental illness, specific learning disabilities, HIV disease, tuberculosis, drug addiction and alcoholism.
    • Do you currently use chemical substance(s) in any way which could impair or limit your ability to practice your profession with reasonable skill and safety? "Currently" means within the past two years. "Chemical substances" include alcohol, drugs, or medications, whether taken legally or illegally.
    • Have you ever been diagnosed with, or treated for, pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism or frotteurism?
    • Are you currently engaged in the illegal use of controlled substances? "Currently" means within the past two years. "Illegal use of controlled substances" is the use of controlled substances (e.g., heroin, cocaine) not obtained legally or taken according to the directions of a licensed healthcare practitioner.
    • Have you ever been convicted, entered a plea of guilty, no contest or a similar plea or had prosecution or a sentence deferred or suspended as an adult or juvenile in any state or jurisdiction?
    • Have you ever been found in any civil, administrative or criminal proceeding to have:
      • Possessed, used, prescribed for use or distributed controlled substances or legend drugs in any way other than for legitimate or therapeutic purposes?
      • Diverted controlled substances or legend drugs?
      • Violated any drug law?
      • Prescribed controlled substances for yourself?
    • Have you ever been found in any proceeding to have violated any state or federal law or rule regulating the practice of a healthcare profession? If “yes”, please attach an explanation and provide copies of all judgments, decisions, and agreements?
    • Have you ever had any license, certificate, registration or other privilege to practice a healthcare profession denied, revoked, suspended or restricted by a state, federal or foreign authority?
    • Have you ever surrendered a license, certificate, registration, or other privilege to practice a health care profession, in connection with or to avoid action by a state, federal or foreign authority?
    • Have you ever been named in any civil suit or suffered any civil judgment for incompetence, negligence or malpractice in connection with the practice of a healthcare profession?
    • Have you ever been disqualified from working with vulnerable persons by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)?

If you will answer ‘No' to all of the above questions and have a Social Security number, you'll be able to apply for your credential online.

Washington State law authorizes the Department of Health to obtain fingerprint-based background checks for licensing purposes. This check may be through the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This may be required if you have lived in another state or if you have a criminal record in Washington State. This would be at your own expense.

The application fee must be paid at the time you apply. You may use a credit or debit card with a VISA or MasterCard logo or pay by ACH/E-Check. Please make sure your address on the payment information screen matches the address your financial institution has on file for you. This fee is non-refundable. There is a convenience fee to apply online.

If additional documentation is needed, you'll be notified by email.

There are additional items you may need, in addition to your application:

We have an online application checklist (PDF) to help with the process. You may print it for reference purposes and reminders.

If you have questions, contact our Customer Service staff at 360-236-4700.

More information about applying online is on our frequently asked questions webpage.

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 anytime you contact Department of Health or submit paperwork.

To get important information about agency affiliated counselors subscribe for updates at the bottom of the page.

Apply on paper

Student interns, peer counselors, and juvenile probation counselors should apply as registered AACs.

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

Fee Schedule

See credentialing fees
Non-Refundable Fee Type Fee Amount
Initial registration $175
Renewal $185
Late renewal penalty $95
Expired registration reissuance $50
Duplicate credential $10
Certification letter $25

Credentialing Requirements

Primary Source Verification Letter (PDF)

Registration requirements

Employment

Applicants for agency affiliated counselors must be employed by, or have an offer of employment from an agency or facility that is licensed, operated, certified by Washington state, or a federally recognized Indian tribe located within the state or a county.

They must have their employer complete and sign the employment verification form (PDF) provided by the Department of Health.

State license verification

Applicant must list all states where credentials are or were held, including where applicant has applied but a credential was not granted. A verification form must be completed and submitted by the jurisdiction where the applicant is or was credentialed. The jurisdiction must send the completed form directly to the department.

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 pending, applicant must indicate status.

Additional information/documents required

  • Note: Per WAC 246-810-015 If you apply for this credential within 30 days of employment, you may provide counseling while your application is processed. The department will review the application and if further information is required it will issue a letter listing the deficiencies. The applicant will have 90 days from the date of the deficiency letter to provide all necessary documentation. If the required documentation is not received by the department within 90 days, the applicant must stop working until the credential is issued.

Agency affiliated counselors must notify the department within 30 calendar days if they're no longer employed by the agency identified on their application, are now employed with another agency, or both. Agency affiliated counselors may not practice counseling unless they are employed by an agency.

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 18.19 RCW and chapter 246-810 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.

Renewal requirements

Agency affiliated counselors must renew their license every year. Credentials expire on the credential holder's birthday and may be renewed within 90 days of the expiration date.

Continuing education requirements

There are no continuing education requirements for this credential.

Certification requirements

Education

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in counseling or one of the social sciences from an accredited college or university which includes coursework* specified by the department. The department must receive an official transcript directly from the institution with the date and degree conferred.

*Coursework requirements are not yet in place. The department is currently conducting rulemaking to determine coursework requirements. See our Rules in Progress page for more information.

Experience

Applicants must have at least five (5) years of experience in direct treatment of persons with a mental disorder that was gained under the supervision of a mental health professional. Supervised experience time doesn’t start accumulating until after the applicant’s bachelor’s degree has been completed. Applicants may count experience attained prior to the completion of their degree if that experience was gained through a supervised practicum and/or internship as part of their degree program. Supervised experience needs to be gained under a credential issued by the department to practice counseling. Out-of-state supervised experience hours may count towards supervised experience as long as it was after the applicant's degree was completed and they held a credential to practice counseling in that state.

Employment

Applicants for agency affiliated counselors must be employed by, or have an offer of employment from an agency or facility that is licensed, operated, certified by Washington state, or a federally recognized Indian tribe located within the state or a county.

They must have their employer complete and sign the employment verification form (PDF) provided by the Department of Health.

State license verification

Applicant must list all states where credentials are or were held, including where applicant has applied but a credential was not granted. A verification form must be completed and submitted by the jurisdiction where the applicant is or was credentialed. The jurisdiction must send the completed form directly to the department.

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 pending, applicant must indicate status.

Additional information/documents required

  • Note: Per WAC 246-810-015 If you apply for this credential within 30 days of employment, you may provide counseling while your application is processed. The department will review the application and if further information is required it will issue a letter listing the deficiencies. The applicant will have 90 days from the date of the deficiency letter to provide all necessary documentation. If the required documentation is not received by the department within 90 days, the applicant must stop working until the credential is issued.

Agency affiliated counselors must notify the department within 30 calendar days if they're no longer employed by the agency identified on their application, are now employed with another agency, or both. Agency affiliated counselors may not practice counseling unless they are employed by an agency.

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 18.19 RCW and chapter 246-810 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.

Renewal requirements

Agency affiliated counselors must renew their license every year. Credentials expire on the credential holder's birthday and may be renewed within 90 days of the expiration date.

Continuing education requirements

There are no continuing education requirements for this credential.

License requirements

Legacy Provision

Applicants for Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor who were previously designated as a mental health professional, or was granted a waiver approving them as a mental health professional, do not need to provide official transcripts if they can provide verification of their MHP designation. Acceptable documentation includes certificate or letter from the Department of Social and Health Sciences, letter from the Department of Health, or attestation/verification from behavioral health agency indicating designation. Applicants who meet legacy provision requirements must apply before July 1, 2027.

Education

Applicants must have an advanced degree in counseling or one of the social sciences from an accredited college or university which includes coursework* specified by the department. The department must receive an official transcript with date and degree conferred/posted directly from the applicant’s institution. 

*Coursework requirements are not yet in place. The department is currently conducting rulemaking to determine coursework requirements. See our Rules in Progress page for more information.

Experience

Applicants must have at least two (2) years of experience in direct treatment of persons with a mental disorder that was gained under the supervision of a mental health professional. The applicant must complete their degree program before supervised experience hours can start to accumulate. Applicants may count supervised experience attained prior to the completion of their degree if that experience was gained through a supervised practicum and/or internship as part of their degree program. Supervised experience needs to be gained under a credential issued by the department to practice counseling. Out-of-state supervised experience hours may count towards supervised experience as long as it was after the applicant's degree was completed and they held a credential to practice counseling in that state.

Employment

Applicants for agency affiliated counselors must be employed by, or have an offer of employment from an agency or facility that is licensed, operated, certified by Washington state, or a federally recognized Indian tribe located within the state or a county.

They must have their employer complete and sign the employment verification form (PDF) provided by the Department of Health.

State license verification

Applicant must list all states where credentials are or were held, including where applicant has applied but a credential was not granted. A verification form must be completed and submitted by the jurisdiction where the applicant is or was credentialed. The jurisdiction must send the completed form directly to the department.

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 pending, applicant must indicate status.

Additional information/documents required

Note: Per WAC 246-810-015 If you apply for this credential within 30 days of employment, you may provide counseling while your application is processed. The department will review the application and if further information is required it will issue a letter listing the deficiencies. The applicant will have 90 days from the date of the deficiency letter to provide all necessary documentation. If the required documentation is not received by the department within 90 days, the applicant must stop working until the credential is issued.
Agency affiliated counselors must notify the department within 30 calendar days if they're no longer employed by the agency identified on their application, are now employed with another agency, or both. Agency affiliated counselors may not practice counseling unless they are employed by an agency.

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 18.19 RCW and chapter 246-810 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.

Renewal requirements

Agency affiliated counselors must renew their license every year. Credentials expire on the credential holder's birthday and may be renewed within 90 days of the expiration date.

Continuing education requirements

There are no continuing education requirements for this credential.

Additional Licensing Information