Resources · Path to Licensure

Behavioral & mental health licensure in Washington.

The required exam, supervised hours, jurisprudence rules, and official board for six Washington behavioral and mental health licenses — professional counseling, clinical social work, psychology, marriage & family therapy, behavior analysis, and addictions counseling.

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Professional counseling licensure in Washington

License: LMHC · Exam: NCE or NCMHCE

  • Supervised experience3,000 postgraduate (2,500 if CACREP); 1,200 direct + 100 immediate supervision
  • Timeframeminimum 36 months
  • State law / jurisprudence examNo (AIDS education required, not a law exam)

Source: official board / national body (high confidence). Requirements change — confirm current Washington rules with the board before you apply.

Clinical social work licensure in Washington

License: LICSW · Exam: ASWB Clinical

  • Supervised experience4,000 hours (incl. 1,000 direct; 100 supervision)
  • Timeframeover no less than 3 years
  • State law / jurisprudence examNo

Source: official board / national body (high confidence). Requirements change — confirm current Washington rules with the board before you apply.

Psychology licensure in Washington

License: Licensed Psychologist · Exam: EPPP Part 1

  • Supervised experience3,300 hours (1,500 internship + 1,800 postdoctoral)
  • Timeframe2 years
  • State law / jurisprudence examYes — Washington Jurisprudence Exam (after licensure)

Source: official board / national body (high confidence). Requirements change — confirm current Washington rules with the board before you apply.

Marriage & family therapy licensure in Washington

License: LMFT · Exam: AMFTRB National MFT Exam

  • Supervised experience3,000 hours; 1,000 direct (500 families/couples); 200 supervision
  • Timeframeover at least 2 calendar years
  • State law / jurisprudence examNo

Source: official board / national body (high confidence). Requirements change — confirm current Washington rules with the board before you apply.

Behavior analysis licensure in Washington

License: Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) · 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 Washington rules with the board before you apply.

Addictions counseling licensure in Washington

License: SUDP (Substance Use Disorder Professional) · Exam: NAADAC NCAC I+ or IC&RC exam

  • Supervised experience1,500 (master's/doctoral) / 2,000 (bachelor's) / 2,500 (associate)
  • Timeframeverify with board
  • State law / jurisprudence examNo

Source: official board / national body (high confidence). Requirements change — confirm current Washington rules with the board before you apply.

Washington at a glance: Professional counseling uses the NCE or NCMHCE; clinical social work uses the ASWB Clinical; psychology uses the EPPP Part 1. Always confirm current rules with each board before you apply.

A note on accuracy: Licensure requirements — degree, supervised hours, jurisprudence exams, and application steps — are set by each state board and change over time. This guide shows the general national path and the exam Triad prepares you for. Always confirm the exact, current requirements with your state’s official licensing board before you apply.

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