This document provides information about counseling licensure requirements in Washington state. It explains that graduates from MACP programs are qualified for licenses such as LMHCA (Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate) and Agency Affiliated Counselor. For the LMHCA, applicants must complete an application, pay a fee, and submit transcripts showing they have met the state's core content requirements. Full licensure as a LMHC requires 3,000 hours of supervised postgraduate experience over 3 years. Contact information is provided for the licensing board.

1. T h i s i n f o r m a t i o n i s i n t e n d e d f o r u s e i n
W a s h i n g t o n s t a t e o n l y . P l e a s e s e e t h e
a c c o m p a n y i n g r e s o u r c e s o n t h e a l u m n i
w e b s i t e f o r l i c e n s u r e i n o t h e r s t a t e s .
Counseling Licensure
Information

2. Which license do I need?
 In Washington State, there are several different
licenses that MACP graduates are qualified for. The
Dept. of Health has information available to help
decide which license you should apply for here:
http://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/670166.pdf

3. LMHCA basics
 In WA state, most graduates will be applying as
LMHCAs – Licensed Mental Heath Counselor
Associates.
 This is the designation you will hold while
accumulating hours towards full LMHC licensure.
 You MUST have supervision while practicing under
this license.

4. Agency Affiliated Counselor License
 Another licensing option is the Agency Affiliated
Counselor designation.
 MACP graduates may apply for this designation if they
are employed by agency or facility that is licensed,
operated, certified by Washington State, a federally
recognized Indian tribe located within the state, or a
county.
 You can hold this license while working towards your full
LMHC designation, and there is no time limit for
accumulating hours for the LMHC as there are with the
LMHCA.
http://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/ProfessionsNewRenewo
rUpdate/AgencyAffiliatedCounselor/ApplicationsandForms.aspx

5. How to apply for LMHCA
 The following must be completed in order to qualify
for an associate license:
 Completed application with signature and date.
 The application and initial licensure fee of $50.00.
 Four (4) hours of HIV/AIDS education and training.
 Official transcripts sent directly from The Seattle School.
 Associate licenses are valid for one year and must be
renewed every year on the date of issuance. The
associate license may be renewed no more than six
times.
http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/professions/mentalhealth/licensure.htm

6. How to apply - continued
 LMHCA application forms can be found here:
http://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/ProfessionsNewRenewor
Update/MentalHealthCounselor/ApplicationsandForms.aspx
 Transcript request forms can be found here:
www.theseattleschool.edu/alumni/Alumni-Tools/Transcript-Requests
 Students can apply a couple of weeks or so prior to completion of
their degree and then order official transcripts after completion
of all coursework. The DOH will start processing the application
right away, and wait on final approval until the transcript has
been received.

7. How to apply - continued
 Page 4 of the LMHCA
application form will
ask you to match up
the coursework you
took at The Seattle
School with
Department of Health
core content areas:

8. How to apply - continued
 Page 37 of The
Seattle School
Catalog provides
matchups for our
courses to the DOH
core content areas.
DOH CONTENT AREA
THE SEATTLE SCHOOL
COURSE #
Assessment/ diagnosis CSL 544*, 545*, 538*
Ethics/Law CSL 503*
Counseling Individuals CSL 542*, 543*
Counseling Couples and Families CSL 517*
Developmental Psych. (may be child,
adolescent, adult or life span):
CSL 510*, 524*
Abnormal Psychology/Psychopathology CSL 544*, 545*
Research and Evaluation CSL 516*
Career Developmental Counseling CSL 511
Multicultural Concerns CSL 509*
Substance/Chemical Abuse CSL 512
Abusive Relationships CSL 514, DVA 503, 506
Chronically Mentally Ill CSL 544* & 545*

9. Full LMHC Licensure
 To qualify for full LMHC licensure, you must complete the
following:
 Minimum of 36 months of full-time counseling or three thousand (3000)
hours of postgraduate mental health counseling under the supervision of
an approved licensed mental health counselor.
 At least of 100 hours must be in immediate supervision with an
approved licensed mental health counselor.
 At least 1200 hours must be direct counseling with individuals, couples,
groups, or families.
 36 hours of continuing education; 6 of which must be Ethics related.
 Either of the following National Board of Certified Counselors
(NBCC) exams are accepted.
 National Counselor Exam (NCE).
 National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE).
http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/professions/mentalhealth/licensure.htm

10. WA State Dept. of Health Contact Info
Phone number 360.236.4700
Fax number 360.236.4818
Email Address: hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov
Mail your application with initial documentation and your check or
money order payable to:
Department of Health
PO Box 1099 Credentialing
Olympia, WA 98507-1099
Send other documents not sent with initial application to:
Department of Health Mental Health Counselor Associate
PO Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504-7877

11. Additional Links
 Good place for licensure and other therapist
resources: http://www.counselingseattle.com/
 Approved Supervisor Form:
http://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/670090.pdf
 Record of Supervision and Experience Form:
http://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/670128.pdf

12. Additional Links
 National test prep resources:
 www.counselingexam.com
 http://www.nbcc.org/ncmhce
 http://www.nbcc.org/NCE