Counseling License Requirements in Washington
- Licensure Requirements
- How Long Does it Take?
- Out-of-State Licensing
- Licensing Renewal
- Salary Expectations
- Professional Organizations
- FAQ
Nationwide demand for mental health services continues to increase, along with employment opportunities for licensed professional counselors. If you plan to enter a counseling career in Washington state, you must first earn a master’s degree in counseling and a state license. Explore this guide to learn about Washington licensure requirements and salary prospects once you earn your license.
Washington State Counselor Licensure Requirements
Before you can work as a counselor in Washington, you must satisfy specific state licensure requirements. The Washington State Department of Health administers the licensing process for licensed mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists. The certification and renewal procedure for school counselors is handled by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Washington state requirements for licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) include:
- A master’s or doctoral degree in mental health counseling, behavioral science, or a related field from an approved school
- Completion of a practicum or internship that incorporates direct client contact
- At least 36 months of full-time counseling experience or 3,000 hours of postgraduate mental health counseling experience, supervised by an approved licensed practitioner
- Passing score on the National Counselor Exam (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE)
The Washington State Department of Health authorizes an associate-level credential to pre-licensure candidates who need to acquire postgraduate supervised experience and pass the required exam.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Washington state requirements for licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) include:
- A master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy, or a behavioral science degree with equivalent course requirements from an approved school
- Two years of full-time marriage and family therapy experience, including at least 3,000 hours of supervision and 1,000 hours of direct client contact.
- Passing score on the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) exam
Pre-licensure candidates must obtain an associate-level credential to provide client services and accrue the required experience. The state board reduces the number of required supervised experience hours for MFT applicants who have practiced as substance use disorder professionals for three years within the past 10 years.
School Counselor
Washington state’s first-issue certification requirements for school counselors include:
- Completion of a school counseling preparation program approved by the Professional Educator Standards Board
- Passing score on a comprehensive counseling examination, including either a graduate school comprehensive exam, NCE exam, or Praxis exam
After earning your tier-one, first-issue certification, you may apply for tier-two professional certification. Additional requirements for tier-two certification include a school counselor certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, suicide prevention training, and qualifying professional development coursework.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Counselor in Washington State?
It typically takes at least six years to fulfill the educational requirements for Washington state counseling licensure. In addition to earning the appropriate degree, you may need to complete specific supervised work experience and examination requirements depending on your license type.
Several factors affect how much time you need before you obtain your license, including how long it takes you to complete your undergraduate and graduate degrees and pass the required exams for your license level.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Washington
If you hold an active LMHC or LMFT license with a substantially similar scope of practice from another state, you may apply for a probationary license through the Washington State Department of Health. This license allows you to practice for up to two years while you fulfill any educational, experience, or exam requirements needed for full Washington state counseling licensure
Candidates with three years of certified out-of-state experience as a PK-12 school counselor may apply for a tier-one, first-issue certification in Washington state. Complete an application and have your credentials evaluated by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to determine if you need to complete other requirements.
How to Renew a Counseling License in Washington State
LMHCs and LMFTs must renew their license every year. To maintain your license, you need to complete 36 hours of continuing education every two years, including six hours in law and ethics Additionally, you need to take six hours of training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management every six years.
The initial school counselor certification in Washington state is valid for up to five years. After gaining two years of experience, counselors can apply for a reissued certification, valid for an additional five years. Subsequent five-year renewals require professional development training or third-party board certification.
Salary Expectations for Counselors in Washington State
The employment outlook for counselors in Washington state is promising. Average counseling salaries in Washington are considerably higher than national averages, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). School counselors earn an average of $81,280 in Washington, compared to $66,990 nationwide. Similarly, marriage and family therapists in Washington earn an average of $73,340, compared to $68,730 nationwide.
Your personal salary potential as a counselor in Washington depends on several factors, including your specialization, location, employer, and years of experience.
| Occupation | Average Hourly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $39.08 | $81,280 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $35.26 | $73,340 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $26.56 | $55,230 |
| Substance Use, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $30.53 | $63,490 |
| Counselors, All Other | $30.68 | $63,820 |
Professional Organizations for Counselors in Washington State
Washington Mental Health Counselors Association
WHMCA, chartered through the American Mental Health Counselors Association promotes quality in mental health services and represents the interests of licensed mental health counselors. The association provides members with several resources, including continuing education courses, a job bank, and a clinician and supervisory directory.
Washington School Counselor Association
Established in 1965, WSCA represents over 1,000 school counselors, school counselor educators, and graduate students. The association offers conferences, continuing education training, free legal advice, and other professional development opportunities. The website also provides students and families with useful healthcare, educational, immigration, and career resources.
Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
As an affiliate of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, WAMFT advances the field of marriage and family therapy through legislative advocacy, educational programs, and professional development events. The association prioritizes training, scholarship, and mentoring opportunities for students and emerging professionals.
Washington State Addiction Professionals
WAADAC, the Washington state affiliate of the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC), represents the interests of addiction counselors, educators, and other addiction-focused professionals who specialize in addiction prevention, treatment, recovery, and education. Membership benefits include conferences, publications, reduced rates for professional liability insurance, and access to the NAADAC career center.
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Licensure
You must apply to the Washington State Department of Public Health to become an LMHC or LMFT. Washington state counseling licensure requirements for both careers are similar, requiring at least a master’s degree, completion of supervised experience hours, and a passing score on the approved exam for your license type.
