Behavioral & mental health licensure in California.
The required exam, supervised hours, jurisprudence rules, and official board for six California behavioral and mental health licenses — professional counseling, clinical social work, psychology, marriage & family therapy, behavior analysis, and addictions counseling.
Professional counseling licensure in California
License: LPCC · Exam: NCMHCE
- Supervised experience3,000 supervised
- TimeframeMinimum 104 weeks (~2 years)
- State law / jurisprudence examYes — California Law and Ethics Examination
Source: official board / national body (high confidence). Requirements change — confirm current California rules with the board before you apply.
Clinical social work licensure in California
License: LCSW · Exam: ASWB Clinical
- Supervised experience3,000 hours (incl. 2,000 direct clinical, 750 psychotherapy)
- Timeframeover min. 104 weeks (2+ yrs)
- State law / jurisprudence examYes — California Law & Ethics Exam
Source: official board / national body (high confidence). Requirements change — confirm current California rules with the board before you apply.
Psychology licensure in California
License: Licensed Psychologist · Exam: EPPP Part 1
- Supervised experience3,000 hours (≥1,500 postdoctoral)
- Timeframeall hours before CPLEE
- State law / jurisprudence examYes — California Psychology Laws & Ethics Exam (CPLEE)
Source: official board / national body (high confidence). Requirements change — confirm current California rules with the board before you apply.
Marriage & family therapy licensure in California
License: LMFT · Exam: California Law & Ethics + Clinical Exams (not AMFTRB)
- Supervised experience3,000 hours; 1,750 direct clinical (500 couples/families/children)
- Timeframeover at least 104 weeks (2 years)
- State law / jurisprudence examYes — California Law & Ethics Exam
Source: official board / national body (high confidence). Requirements change — confirm current California rules with the board before you apply.
Behavior analysis licensure in California
License: No state license — BACB certification only · Exam: BCBA exam (BACB)
- Supervised experienceBACB standard: 2,000 fieldwork hours (or 1,500 concentrated)
- TimeframeSet by BACB fieldwork standards
- State law / jurisprudence examNo
Source: official board / national body (high confidence). Requirements change — confirm current California rules with the board before you apply.
Addictions counseling licensure in California
License: LAADC (Licensed Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor) · Exam: IC&RC AADC exam
- Supervised experience4,000 supervised (master's required)
- Timeframeno fixed timeframe
- State law / jurisprudence examNo
Source: official board / national body (high confidence). Requirements change — confirm current California rules with the board before you apply.
California at a glance: Professional counseling uses the NCMHCE; clinical social work uses the ASWB Clinical; psychology uses the EPPP Part 1. Always confirm current rules with each board before you apply.
The licensures we help you pass.
Triad prepares clinicians for the national exam at the center of each path. Pick yours to see the full route.
Psychologist
A doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) in psychology from an accredited program.
See exam prep →Social Worker
A BSW, MSW, or doctoral social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program, depending on the license level.
See exam prep →Professional Counselor
A master's in counseling or a related field, ideally CACREP-accredited.
See exam prep →Marriage & Family Therapist
A master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field.
See exam prep →Behavior Analyst
A master's degree plus BACB-verified coursework (a bachelor's for the BCaBA).
See exam prep →Addictions Counselor
The education or degree your state credential requires for addiction counseling.
See exam prep →Pass the exam on your path.
Triad’s AATBS brand prepares candidates for the EPPP, ASWB, NCE/NCMHCE, MFT, BCBA, and addictions exams — backed by a pass guarantee.
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