Counseling Licensure in Washington State: LMHC Requirements
A complete overview of how to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington State, covering education, associate status, supervised hours, and the DOH application process.
Becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington State
Washington State uses the title Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) for independently practicing counselors. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) oversees this credential. Washington also offers the Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) status for those still under supervision.
Education Requirements
You must hold a master's or doctoral degree in mental health counseling or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. The program must include at least 90 quarter hours (or 60 semester hours) of graduate coursework. Required content areas include:
- Counseling theory and techniques
- Human growth and development
- Social and cultural foundations
- Group counseling
- Assessment and testing
- Career development
- Research and program evaluation
- Professional ethics and law
- Psychopathology and diagnosis
- A supervised practicum or internship
Supervised Experience Hours
Washington requires 3,000 hours of supervised counseling experience after completing your degree. At least 1,200 hours must be in direct client contact. You will hold LMHCA status during this period. The supervised experience must be completed within six years of registering as an associate.
Your supervisor must hold an active Washington LMHC, licensed psychologist, or licensed psychiatrist credential, with at least two years of clinical experience. You need at least one hour of individual supervision for every 20 hours of client contact, with a minimum of one hour per week.
Exam Requirements
Washington accepts either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). The choice is yours, and either satisfies the state's exam requirement. Each exam is approximately $275. You may take the exam at any point during the licensure process. Washington does not require a state jurisprudence exam.
Application Process and Fees
Apply for LMHCA status through the DOH online licensing system. The application fee is approximately $150. After completing your supervised hours and passing your chosen exam, apply for full LMHC licensure with a fee of approximately $150. You will need to submit transcripts, supervision documentation, exam scores, and pass a background check.
License Renewal
LMHC licenses in Washington renew annually on the licensee's birthday. You must complete 36 hours of continuing education per two-year cycle. Required topics include ethics and suicide assessment training. Retired and inactive status options are available if you need a break from active practice. The renewal fee is approximately $155 per year.
Reciprocity and Endorsement
Washington offers endorsement for counselors licensed in other states. Your education and experience must meet Washington's standards. Given the 60-semester-hour education requirement and 3,000-hour experience requirement, most licensed counselors from other states will find the process manageable. You must still pass either the NCE or NCMHCE.
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