Become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor

If you have a deep-seated desire to help people manage difficult life circumstances, considering becoming a licensed mental health counselor. These professionals are educated in understanding each client’s unique circumstance, leading them through steps towards reaching their objectives, and ultimately leading them towards living happier and more productive lives.

Many states require a master’s degree in counseling, school counseling, marriage and family therapy or related studies in order to become licensed as a mental health counselor. You may also need to complete supervised experience before earning your license.

The internship or practicum provides you with invaluable experience working within clinical settings and working closely with clients undergoing treatment, whether that be at a hospital, clinic, private practice or other location.

Step Three – Accumulate 3,000 hours of supervised experience, including 1,500 in direct client contact.

The supervised experience requirement is distinct from the post-graduate supervision needed for licensure. After earning your master’s degree, you must accumulate a total of 3,000 hours of supervised experience in an accredited setting.

If you hold a master’s degree in counseling from another jurisdiction but lack one year of clinical experience, “licensure by endorsement” may be your route to licensure. This alternative route allows for working under supervision of an authorized New York counselor while fulfilling all supervised experience requirements. Your experience must be certified by another professional colleague who will submit it directly to the licensing agency.